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/\N  ILLUSTRATED  MONTHLY  MAGAZINE-EVERY  COPY  A  SOUVENIR 


"GRIP'S"  VALLEY  GAZETTE 

Vol.  2— No.  4 $1.00  a  Year 

ALBANY,   N.  Y..   NOVEMBER,    1894 

[Entered  in  the  Albany  Post  Office  as  second-class  mail  matter] 

p^,.  -       :..  V/e WRI- 


THE State  Gazette 

Social,    Personal  and   Historical 
Information. 

TRADE  AND  NEWS. 
Intelligence. 


i5T0RicnL  •  mwm 


Price,   25  Cents 


1 


OF 


MIDDLEBURGH 

N.  Y. 


•   • 


i^;.: 


lO  .'asi''kdMt: 


^Jtel.S^A^feJEMt.* 


"Grip."]      VIEW  OF  MtDDLEBURGH  FROM  XlT.  KAXJEARAGORE. 


•CRIPS"  ADVERTISINC,    DEPARTMENT. 


y^'^^^ 


^^>^ 


PORTRAIT     rHOTOGRAPHFR 


Studio 
15  and   17  North  Pearl  Street, 


ALIiANY.  N.  Y 


-  if*  ■ 


Ho'i  1  I.  o  Champlain 

Or)   till.   Dil.iw  ;ir>.-  i  Hudson  Railroad 

The  Superb  Summer  Resort  of  the  North 


Vast  nnti  iimKnihcenf  virws  ttl  l.ikcs  tini!  inountainft.  KiKhin^  and  huntinK.  KiJinK  and  rambiinK-  Kxquihitr 
•etnerv.  Kiiniantti:  hislorui.l  loc.ihtits.  .\  luttv  and  airv  situation.  Panoramic  views  of  Adirondack  and  tircen 
lloimtain*.    The  natural  transfer  point  between  ''IJ.  &  H."  trains  and  Lake  Chaniplam  Steamers     Station  and  Stcani- 

bcKit  pier  in  the  erounds.  

O.  D.  SEAVEY.  Mnnasrer. 

I'    f>    A'Idrcss,  Hot.-!  <''■: '  •—    <■<■  —  ■-•■■-'"■     V    V 

Delaware  &  Hudson  R.  R. 

The  bhorlfsl,  c^ukkt-sl  ;ind  Best  l.iiif  Bt-twccii 

NENA/  YORK^ii^MONTREAL 

"It  may  be  questioned  whether  there  is  a  railway  journey  in  the  world  which  Rives  in  one  day  a  %-ariety  and  splen- 
dor of  landscape  to  equal  that  which  is  enjoyed  by  the  traveler  takini;  the  muriiini,'  express  by  this  line  between  Mon- 
treal and  New  York.'  -  Stoftisft  fin<teii\ 

.Send  6  cents  postBRo  for  line  Desoriptive  Guide  to  J.  W.  BURDICK,  IV-  P.  Adft..  Albany,  N.  Y 

The  New  York  Central  and  Hudson  River  Railroad 


ii  I  !■;  Ml-  1 1! 


ill  SI  BBS 


Chicago  Limiteds 

Ka-<lc:>l  Lung  lii^Uiiicc   Iraiiis  iti  lliu  World 


THE   IDEAL   PATHWAY  TO  THE 

Adirondack      Mountains 

And  all  >uminer  and  Lake  Kesnrt.s. 

Copyrighted,  t%q\,  by  A.  P.  Yate«. 

Througli  Palace  Buffet,  Sleeping,  Dining  and  Parlor  Cars  between  New  York,  Albany,  Chicago  and 

all  points  west. 


"Mow  much  a  dunce  thM  hath  been  sent  to  mam. 
Excels  a  dunce  thai  hath  been  kept  at  home.**— C^m/ 


OeORCE   H.  DANIELS,  _    •  ■,'. 

Ocn'l  I'ass'iiccr  Agt.,  Grand  Cent.  StatloD.'N.  Y. 


FRANK    J.   WOLFE, 

.\Kt.,  AllNiny, 


I 


GRIP'S"  RELIABLE  GUIDE  FOR  TRAVELERS. 


{r^-RESPONSIBLE  TICKET  AGENTS. 


J.    F.   Spohn, 

RAILROAD 

TICKET  BROKER, 

.MIIJiAGKS 
Bought  and  Sold. 

Lock  Box  44, 

Bainbridge,  N   Y. 

Reduced  Rates 

<.)n  all   connecting  lines. 

Correspondence 

Solicited. 


-THE  BEST  LIVERY  STABLES...^ 


I.  H.  PRIDE, 

TICKET     BKOKER 

SID.XEV,   N.  V. 


M 


ILEAGE  BOOKS   on   the   D.  &  H.  and   Con- 

nuctiiig    Kiiiliuads.      .S.     E.    CkuXKHITE,     First 
Xatitmal  i-iank.  Cooperstown.  X.  V. 


"THE  BEST  HOTELS.  ...^^ 


KEELER'S  HOTEL  and  RESTAURANT, 
P.roadwav  and  Maiden   Lane,  .\lbanv,  X.  V. 


\VM     H.   KKELER,   Prop. 


European  plan. 


HOTEL   PHELPS, 

AFTON,  N.  Y. 

Wm.  Phelps.  Proprietor  I.IVERY. 


H 


OTEL  ALTAiMONT,  Ai.tamont,  N     Y. 

Modern   improvements;    steam    heat;    liverv    and 
headquarters  tor  all  stages.     J.  O.  STITT    Prop. 


A^OMMERCIAL  HOTEL  (formerly  Union), 
I  ALTAMONT,  X.  V.  Under  new  inanagement. 

^"^       Livery.  M.  GRIGGS,  Prop. 


PARK    HOTEL, 


A.  L.  BEVIER, 


BAINBRIUGE,  N.  Y. 
-       -       -       -     Proprietor. 


C[flIRllLt]OT[L,"t'^"-— - 

Meam  heat  in  every  room. 

WESSELL  HOUSE,  Carlisle,  N.  Y. 
S.   R.   WESSELL.   Proprietor. 
Caters  to  driving  parties. 


lOTEL  AUGUSTAN.  ^k'^^-^^^J^t  ^p.o'p: 


■  Proprietors. 


ALTAMONT  LIVERY 
DAYTON  H.  WHIPPLE.  I  , 
FRED.   V.   WHIPPLE,        i  ' 

Inquire  at  either  hotel.     Orders  received  by  telephone. 

Central  Bridge  Livery, 

A.  C.HUTT..N,         - Proprietor. 

Open  all  hours. 
Dealer  in  WAGON'S,  SLEIGHS,  Eli; 


L 


AWYER'S  LIVKRY. 


Office;  Parrott  House  and  at  Lawver's stables. 

Main  St.,  Schoharie,  N.  Y. 
W.  S.  Lawyer.  Prop. 

Hotel  Schoharie  Livery 

J.  SCHWOKM.  Prop.  SCHOHARIE,  X'.  Y. 

Also  Dealer  in  Agricultural  Implements. 


THE  BEST  HOTELS. 


THE  AUSTIN  HOUSE, 
CENTRAL  BRIDGE,  N.  Y. 

Barber  shop,  livery,  stabling  and  sheds  connected. 
Moderate  charges  to  all. Henr\'  Austin,  Prop. 

pARK   HOUSE,  Central  Bridge,  N.  Y. 

•^          Good    accommodations.      Terms,    $i.oo    per    day. 
Liverv  attached. R.  BARTOX.  Proprietor. 

qpHE    "WINNE  HOUSE,    Cherry  Valley,    New  York. 
■*■      Conducted  tirst-class  stvle.  Convenient  to  the  trains. 
li.ARRETT   DUPP,   Proprietor. 

COMMERCIAL    HOTEL, 

Cobleskill,  N.  Y.  A.  C.  Lewis,  Proprietor, 

Liverv  attacheil.     .Modern  improvements.     Electric  Bells. 

OOKSBURGH   HOUSE,  Cooksburgh,  N.  Y. 

H    P    I'fssri  L    Prop 
On  the  AI   1  1  d  Catsk  11  r    id 


WINDSOR  HOTEL,  Oneonta,  N.  Y.  Elevator. 
Steam  Heat.  Xew  Furnishings.  J.  R.  MILLARD, 
12  years  experience.  O.  G.  RICHMOND,  26  vears  experi- 
ence. 

CARR'S    HOTEL, 

Cooperstown,  N.  Y. 

L.  A.  Carr.  Prop. Liverv  attached. 


TSJEW  CENTRAL  HOTEL.  Cooperstown,  N.  Y. 
■^^  W.  M.  POTTER,  Proprietor. 

l^lectric  lights      Steam  heat. 

TWrACOMBER'S  HOTEL.  Delanson,  N.  Y. 

•*■"•*'  Meals  ready  on  arrival  of  trains. 

Livery  attached.  Howland  Macomber,  Prop. 

CENTRAL     HOUSE, 

East   Worcester,  N.  Y. 
Xew  Building  and  Furniture         R.   H.  Pitcher,  Prop. 

STARIN  HOUSE,  Fultonville,  N.  Y.  ~ 

Chas.  Dopf,  Proprietor. 
Xewlv  furnished.    First-class,  "tj'ood  bar.    Livery. 

OTEL  GRANT,     port  plain,  n.  y. 

steam  heat.  Gas  and  electric  bells.  Stables  connected. 
HENRY  A.  OAKES.  Prop. "' 

CUROPEAN   HOTEL  GAFE, 

L"  Fort  Plain,  N.  Y. 

WM.  GREELEY,  Prop.  Meals  at  all  hours 


H 


■GKII'S      KKI.IAHLH  CLIUE  FUK  TKAVtLERS. 


rP^THE  BEST  HOTELS.  _^: 

/-^ILBOA  HOUSE,  Oilboa.  N.  Y       W.  H.  BECK- 

VJ   KK,  Proprietor,     l-ivery  attachnl 

'pUTTLE  HOUSE.  Oilboa,  N.  Y. 


I. 


CIIAS    I,   TllTl.E.'Pr.'prif 


w 


HITE  HOUSE.  MiddlebUFKh.  N.  Y.     Livery. 
I.    C.   White.  Proprietress 


mmm  wmi    mwimm,  1 1 


A.  J.  I'KF.EMYF.K.   rr..;i  >tlM"lK    SlIUKK.Cl.r 

Sta^e  Hous«  and  Livery  attached. 

AFE     MIDDLEBUROH.    N.  Y.      R.    D.   OOR- 

l"'N,    !•:■■;        1.;  ,  :■■:...:.!     ;i;a,s      I..,-.    L,:-.    ;.,.s  !.,r 


M 


IDDLEBURGH,    N.  Y       BAKER  S    HOTEL 

..|iI..iMti-    the     di-p"l.       I.ivi-rv    altiiciifd.      .\1.    W 
H.\Ki;k.  Pr..priet..r. 


BLENHEIM  HOUSE.    North   Blenheim:   N.  Y 
.M    I     W'Kli.ll  c.  I'r.pprieti.r.    Proprietor  .MiddU-burjth 

.ilul  I  .lUi.'.i  st.ik:*--  l;(ic 


ty  THE  BEST  HOTELS.   ^  } 

CENTRAL    HOTEL    Spnnirfield    Centre    N.    Y 
11.:..  : -:  I  I's.  .;..  I..ilie      Livery  attached,     .\ceommo' 
l.i'.:.  ns   ;    r    w  ntrr   and   summer  partiel.      CLARK 
I'l.l.SWi  iKTH.  IT    ;i  '-»-nivi>. 

/-'ENTRAL  HOTEL,  Worcester.  N  Y. 

^^                .•TV         lelv^ra;!,        Ki  •.  Tll^  all   heati- J       llarber 
'•■■''  '■'      '  •    ■- ■■".■t  IKK  .sHAt'EK.  l'ropriel..r. 

HE  WORCESTER  HOUSE,    Worcester,  N.  Y. 

Ilr^t-tlass   iPj.era    House  attached.      C.    I,.     B.\LD- 
^\  IN'.  Prop. 


T 


UNADILLA  HOUSE,  Unadilla,  N   Y. 
i  'c<     \  ::•.  :•■  .,r,  :  !  r^  M.  a! I  trams 


U 


NADILLA,    N.    Y 

[jiovk   trom  the  depot 
HI.SHiiP.  Prop. 


HOTEL    BISHOP,     one 

I'lrst-ilass   Hotel       Cll.^s 


"BESSIE  B"  and  "PRIDE" 

Champion  Ekk  Ikying  .Strain  of  the  World. 

Bred  bv  W   E.  BASSLER,        -       -       -        MiDDLEBURCH.  X. 

Send  for  informalioH. 


H 


OTEL    CHAPMAN.    North    Blenheim.    N.    Y. 

<^  iiicrt-iai  r.iles.       I>ailv    staKe    t'l    -Muldieburnh. 

Frank  Ciiai'Man,  Proprietor. 


BARHDYT    HOUSE,    Schenectady,    N.  Y.      H. 
M.\NSI  Ii:i.|).    Proprietor      W.   \.  Katkn,  ClerV. 

'T->HE  PARROTT  HOUSE.  Schoharie.  N.Y.     P.O. 
*•      \VlNri:R.    IT. .prut. T      Aiciuii;.! ',.,l...ijs    .rst.    :.,s, 

AFE  AND  RESTAURANT,  SCHOHARIE,  N. 

Y.      I 'itiin^r  rooms  tor  parties.       Mie    best    service  at 
ihr  li.ir.     P.  \V1)I1IKX)CK. 


H 


OTEL     SCHOHARIE.    SCHOHARIE,    N.    Y. 

lull-  HH  I    .V   <■(  i.i  KN.  Proi'nr'ors      Nt-wly  n-con- 

•■tr'.:    'f  1.     ::i\».'v    lurn  >lw.I.  lu-wlv   rt-  arranRcd. 


NEWMAN  HOUSE.  SEWARD,  N.  Y.     This  hold 
IS  now  under   new  iiianiijfcmcnt  nn«l    will   be    con- 
ducted   in   tirst-clns-s   niannor;     electric  call   bells; 
KofMl  livery  and  bar.     JAS,  NKWMAN'.  Prop. 

HARON    SPRINGS      HOTEL    FETHERS ;    a:: 

vr.ir  .i:.iu!,.;.   U::-.    ;..   .ili    tr.ciw      First-v.  l.iss  .u.  . ■m 
niiKiati-uis  ttif  coiitmiTcinl   itnil    Mimnu-r  iratic        li 
1..   KKTMKKS.  I'n.pnelor. 

SHARON  SPRINGS,  N.Y.  MANSION  HOUSE. 
_(  \V  ^MAkl".  Prop  t>|H.-n  .ill  {lu-  vi-.ir  Ww-.  t..  all 
ir.im-.  wtiitiT  anl  Miiiiiiu-r 

OP  EXCHANGE  HOTEL,  Sharon  Springs, 

St.  huluifu- i_  <■  .  N.  V.     Opposite   depot.        1-ivery, 
Open  all  the  year  C  M.  Van  Dkuskn.  I'rop. 

Q»OUTH  WORCESTER  HOTEL,  South  Wor- 


J.  O   Van  UCKCM,  Proprietor. 


PROF.  CAHEN-LEON.  the  Celebrated  French 
Occuliat  Optician,  born  of  French  parents  in  Paris. 
France,  in  i,s47,  where  he  studied  and  practiced  until  the 
war  K>i  I07Q.  Thence  he  came  to  America,  where  he  has 
acquired  II  tirst-closs  practice  in  curing  the  worst  neuralgic 
heatlaches  without  dru^^  or  injury  and  in  fittinR  the  most 
d;tlu  lilt  eyes  with  Classen  for  all  defecL"i  of  virion.  He 
\v.trrantji  all  his  work  in  writinic  for  five  year*  ;  free  con- 
sultation and  cxaminati(>n  at  v^6  Broadway,  Albany, 
N.  v.,  Albany  News  buildintc.  near  Maiden  I,^ne.  He  it 
well  known  for  the  last  twenty-two  years  in  the  counties 
of  Schoharie,  Greene,  Colombia,  OtacRo,  Ulster  and 
Albany. 


I  s  c  t  V  e  n  >  r 

CopYRiGHTKP  1S94— Am,  Rights  Reserved. 

"(grip's"  Illustrated  Souvenir 

Middleburgh 


HISTORICAL  SERIES  No.  1. 


and 
Vicinity 


Schoharie  Co. 

N.  Y. 


"GRIP'S"  GAZETTE 

AN  ILLUSTRATED 
MONTHLY    MAGAZINE 

Subscription,  SI  a  year 

Devoted  to  Personal,  Historical, 
Social,  Professional,  Mercantile, 
Agricultural  and  Industrial 
Affairs  of  the  Empire  State. 


]%/|  lUDLEBURGH  is  a  busy,  growing  town, 
II  located  in  one  of  the  best  and  most  fertile 
agricultural  sections  of  the  state,  the  Schoharie 
valley.  It  is  surrounded  by  broad,  rich  river  bot- 
toms and  rolling  uplands,  and  tracts  of  valuable 
timber,  settled  by  a  hardy,  thrifty  class  of  well-to- 
do,  intelligent  farmers,  largely  owners  of  the  acres 
they  cultivate.  They  are  people  who  give  their 
children  the  advantages  of  higher  education. 
The  population  of  the  village,  about  1,500,  com- 
prises, quite  largely,  people  of  steady  habits  and 
good  circumstances.  The  business  men  are  up  to 
the  times  in  trade  and  prices  and  the  styles  of 


measure  it  is  a  cash  trade,  one  of  the  leading  Mid 
dleburgh  firms,  as  will  be  noted  in  a  following 
paragraph,  doing  business  entirely  on  the  cash 
basis. 

The  Prospects  of  Middleburgh  promise  a 
bright  future.  The  town  has  entered  the  era  of 
progress  and  quick  development  which  comes  to 
every  place  havmg  a  go-a-head  people  and  an 
eligible  location.  It  has  an  excellent,  graded 
Union  School  with  the  best  corps  of  teachers  that 
can  be  employed.  The  churches  are  commodious, 
attractive  buildings,  surrounded  by  well  kept 
grounds  and  are  supported  with  that  open  hand 
which  pays  to  beneficent  Providence  the  just  trib- 


"RivERSiDE"  — The  Scho 

merchandise.  The  editors,  physicians,  lawyers, 
clergymen  and  tutors  are  thoroughly  informed 
and  well  educated  and  are  among  the  best  known 
in  the  professions  in  the  county.  The  trades  are 
fully  represented  by  experienced  men  who  are 
often  large  employers.  Devotion  to  home  institu- 
tions, church  attendance  and  marked  hospitality 
are  characteristics  of  the  people  that  at  once  ar- 
rest the  attention  of  the  visitor. 

^^DDLEBURGH  IS  THE   TERMINUS 

of  the  Middleburgh  &  Schoharie  railroad  and 
distributes  mail  and  supplies  to  nearly  one-half  of 
Schoharie  and  no  small  portion  of  Albany  coun- 
ties. It  is  the  centre  of  a  very  large  agricultural 
section  and  the  trade  that  comes  to  the  town  in 
the  course  of  the  year  would  surprise  many  much 
larger    places.        In    an    unusually    considerable 


HARIE  Valley  — Middleburgh,  N.  Y. 

ute  of  a  prosperous  people.  The  stores  are  large 
and  roomy,  well  filled  with  modern  assortments 
and  manned  by  competent  and  courteous  clerks. 
There  are  four  good  hotels  largely  patronized  by 
the  traveling  public. 

THE  STREETS  ARE  BROAD  AND  SHADY, 

kept  in  good  repair  and  well  provided  with  walks. 
The  columns  of  three  village  papers,  and  of  the 
fourth  pubHshed  in  the  adjacent  village  of  Schoha- 
rie by  a  Middleburgh  editor,  making  it  practically 
an  institution  of  the  town,  are  newsy  and  well 
edited  and  attest  to  the  driving  local  trade  that  is 
done  in  the  course  of  the  year.     There  is 

A  GOOD  VOLUNTEER    FIRE  DEPARTMENT 

of  which  the  majority  of  the  business  men  are  act- 
ive members,  and  they  all  feel  a  pride  in  its  effi- 


GRIPS      ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


cicncy.  Work  is  now  in  progress  on  a  gravity 
water  supply  system  with  which  the  town  will  be 
thoroughly  piped,  affording  water  taps  on  every 
corner,  a  public  fountain  and  a  ready  supply  of 
water  on  tap  in  public  and  private  buildings.  Two 
new  railroads  are  to  be  constructed,  and  what 
more  can  be  asked  for  by  cajiital  seeking  invest- 
ment? There  are  ample  building  sites  and  mate- 
rial of  all  descriptions  close  ut  hand.  The  express 
and  post  office  facilities  are  ably  directed  and  the 
town  does  not  lack  for  the  telegraph  and  local  and 
long  distance  telephone. 

Orandison  N.  Frisbie,  a  leading  merchant  of 
Middleburgh  and  prominent  democrat,  was  born 
in  Roxbury,  Delaware  county,  N  .  Y.,  May  24. 
1831.  At  seventeen  years  of  age  he  was  appren- 
ticed in  the  har- 
ness trade  to 
his  brother  at 
Fultonhani  and 
at  twentv  years 
of  age  became 
his  partner,  af- 
terwards buy- 
ing him  out  and 
conducting  it 
alone  In  1854 
he  began  har- 
ness making  in 
.Middleburgh.  In 
1868  he  bought 
a  one-half  inter- 
est in  the  general  store  of  Charles  Earles  and 
subsequently  a  half  interest  with  W.  G.  Louns- 
bury  &  Co.  in  the  hardware  business.  He  subse- 
quently, with  his  two  sons.  Daniel  D.  and  George 
D.,  as  equal  partners  ttxik  the  Karle's  store  and 
on  April  1,  iSt^,  the  entire  business  passed  into 
the  hands  of  the  sons.  Mr.  Krisbie  went  into 
real  estate  and  insurance,  which  in  the  space  of 
three  years  has  taken  the  lead.  He  was  one  of 
the  principal  promoters  of  the  Middleburgh  and 
Schoharie  railroad  and  much  of  its  success  is  due 
to  his  wise  management.  Since  March  25.  1S78. 
he  has  been  its  president  and  general  manager. 
He  was  one  of  the  first  and  largest  local  sub- 
scriljers  to  the  stiK.k  of  the  First  .National  bank, 
and  from  the  time  of  its  organization  has  lieen  its 
vice-president.  In  1S58  he  married  Kate,  the 
daughter  of  Daniel  D.  Dodge,  of  Middleburgh, 
who  was  a  prominent  merchant  and  one  year  a 
member  of  Assemoly.  Their  daughters  are  Mrs. 
Dow  Beekman  and  Miss  Emma  Frisbie.  Mr. 
Frisbie  is  an  elder  in  the  Lutheran  church. 


Increased  Railroad  Facilities  are  what  several 
of  the  business  men  are  working  hard  to  obtain- 
As  aljove  stated  two  projects  are  materially  ad- 
vanced.  In  both  cases  the  incoriwration  paixjrs 
have  Iwen  tiled  with  the  secretary  of  state,  the 
required  percentage  on  the  capital  stock  paid  in 
and  the  surveys  and  figures  necessary  to  estalv 
lish  the  route  and  grades  completed.  In  both 
instances  the  panic  caused  an  abrupt  but  only 
temporary  termination  of  proceedings. 

THK    LACKAWANNA    WKSTKKN 

connecting  the  Pennsylvania  coal  fields  with  New 
England  and  New  York  follows  the  Delaware 
river  and  the  Schoharie  creek  with  a  necessary 
grade  nowhere  of  more  than  seventy  feet.  Back 
of  this  is  the  powerful  Lackawanna  company. 
Grading  has  tieen  carried  on  for  a  considerable 
distance  and  two  im]>ortant  links  are  in  full  ojiera- 
tion.  This  road  bv  virtue  of  location  and  positive 
assurances  makes  Sliddleburgh  a  division  terminal 


with  the  shops  Ux-ated  there.  It  places  the  town 
two  hours  nearer  the  coal  beds  and  with  one-half 
less  freights  on  fuel. 

IHE  a>ol'EkSTOW.«i,  MIDULEUURGH  ANI>  CATSKILI. 
MOUNTAIN 

road  connects  Middleburgh  with  Catskill,  a  short 
cut  to  New  York  and  a  saving  of  one-half  present 
distance  and  one-half  transportation  rates  on  all 
merchandise  and  freight.  It  will  open  up  an 
heretofore  unavailable  New  York  market  for  local 
pro<luctions  and  will  enable  the  farmers  of  the 
Schoharie  valley,  of  which  there  is  no  better 
garden  country  in  the  state,  to  develop  a  new  and 
profitable  industry  —  the  raising  of  early  vegeta- 
bles for  the  New  York  market.  The  road  continuing 
west  from  .M  iddlcburgh  connects  with  Cixjperstown 
and  Richfield  Springs.  It  passes  through  unsur- 
passed scenery  presenting  summer  tourists  with 
views  that  are  grand  and  sublime.  A  twenty 
mile  link  is  in  successful  operation. 

The  Middleburgh  Sc  Schoharie  Kailroad  was 
constructed  in  1867-8  under  the  authority  of 
the  legislative  enactment  of  May  8,  1867.  The 
road  is  six  miles  long  over  level  lands  with  little 
tilling  and  cutting.  It  connects  Middleburgh  and 
Schoharie  villages.  The  road  and  trains  are  con- 
tinuous five  miles  farther  north  to  a  junction  with 
the  D.  &  H.,but  the  Schoharie  and  Junction  stretch, 
known  as  the  Schoharie  Valley  road,  is  owned 
and  operated  by  private  interests  which  have 
greatly  handicapped  the  Middleburgh  company, 
as  the  latter  depends  uixin  this  north  bit  of  road 
for  an  outlet.  At  one  time  the  Middleburgh  com- 
pany could  have  purchase<l  the  Schoharie  road 
and  Mr.  G.  N.  Frisbie  urged  them  to  do  it,  otTering 
to  individually  subscribe  $5,000.  Sincx*  then  they 
have  been  unable  to  buy  it.  When  the  D.  &  H. 
had  been  built  as  far  as  Oneonta  and  the  Scho- 
harie f>eople  had  determined  to  tie  on  to  that  road 
at  the  Junction,  a  few  leading  spirits  at  Middle- 
burgh met  at  Ed.  Atchinson"s  hotel,  and  after 
considering  the  matter  carefully  determined  that 
they  could  hitch  on  at  Schoharie  by  raising  $100,000, 
the  town  to  take  S50.01X)  and  the  balanc-e  to  come 
from  private  subscriptions.  As  a  matter  of  fact 
the  total  capitalization,  fully  paid  in,  was  but 
S<)2,o(x>.  The  town  was  bonded  but  compara- 
tive little  to  raise  the  full  amount  of  its  subscrip- 
tion. The  railroad  company  placetl  the  bonds 
(7  per  cent.)  at  par.  Thev  were  fully  retired, 
principal  and  interest,  by  James  Borst,  railroad 
commissioner,  in  i-'-^j.  Tne  men  who  actively 
promotetl  the  road  and  who  were  chosen  the  first 
board  of  directors  February  9,  1867,  were  G.  N. 
Frisbie,  David  Becker.  J.  M.  Scribner,  Lyman 
Sanford,  Geoge  E.  Danforth.  Jacob  Neville,  Mar- 
vin Scutt.  Wm.  H.  Engle,  Martin  O.  Coo|>er.  Mar- 
tin L.  Borst,  Eraslus  Cook,  Daniel  D.  Dodge, 
Jesse  H.  Alger.  Marcus  Bellinger.  The  first  named 
served  the  first  year  as  railroad  commissioner, 
then  resigned  and  entered  the  b<vard  of  directors 
where  he  has  since  Ix-en.  The  individual  sub- 
scrit)ers  to  the  stock,  altogether  about  seventy- 
five,  included  many  small  holders  in  and  alxiut 
Middleburgh.  about  $i7.oik>  in  Albany  holdings, 
and  the  balance  in  New  York.  The  companv  ad- 
hered rigidly  to  the  resolution  passed  by  the  (x)ard 
of  directors  September  7,  1867,  viz:  Not  a  dollar 
of  ill'  ■  '  ^  to  Ik- incurred  in  its  construction 
and  I  - .  all  work  to  stop  when  the  money 

runs  '..■■  stiik  has  t>een  watered,  no  divi- 
dends have  l>een  ]>aid  and  there  is  money  in  the 
treiisury.  The  only  salaries  paid  to  officials  are 
$20  a  nu>nth  each  to  the  secretary  and  treasurer 
who  acts  as  pa^seii^j^er  agent,  and  to  the  station  and 
freight  agent  at  Middleburgh.     Other  officers  and 


•GRIP'S"    ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


directors  serve  without  compensation.  The  con- 
tract for  the  construction  of  the  road  complete 
was  let  to  G.  N.  Norton  for  $71,000,  December  17, 
1S67.  On  May  8,  1867,  three  acres  of  land  for  the 
terminal  buildings  were  purchased  of  S.  B.  Wells. 
The  buildings,  a  passenger  depot  20  x  36,  freight 
depot  25  X  100,  and  an  engine  house  25  x  =0  feet, 
were  completed  September  i,  1868. 


Duryea  Beekman  is  the  president  and  one  of 
the  incorporators  of  the  First  National  bank.  He 
is  vice-president  and  has  served  as  secretary  of  the 
Middleburgh  and  -Schoharie  railroad,  with  which 

he  has  been  iden- 
tified from  its 
begmning.  His 
ancestors  were  of 
the  sturdy  New 
England  race. 
His  grandfather, 
the  Hon.  William 
Beekman,  was 
the  first  judge 
of  Schoharie 
county,  appoint- 
ed June  10,  1795, 
and  serving  with 
distinction  until 
1S33.  His  son 
Nicholas,  the  father  of  Duryea,  who  died  January 
13,  1874,  served  in  the  state  assembly  in  1841. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  elected  to  the 
assembly  of  1879  by  a  majority  of  1506,  which  ex- 
ceeds the  average  majority  of  later  years.  He 
was  born  at  Seward.  Schoharie  county,  August  9, 
1840.  His  early  years  on  a  farm  were  devoted  to 
hard  study,  developing  that  conscientious  and 
persevering  character  which  has  placed  him  at  the 
head  of  a  successful  bank.  On  October  16,  1859, 
he  married  Elizabeth  Richtmyer.  One  child, 
Charles,  died  when  eight  months  old.  The  other 
two  are  living;  Dow,  a  practicing  attorney,  and 
William  G.,  now  in  college.  Mr.  Beekman  is  an 
active  democrat. 

The  Scenery  Around  Middleburgh  is  magnifi- 
cent. It  has  many  attractions  for  summer  homes. 
Here  the  valleys  of  the  Schoharie  and  the  Little 
Schoharie  unite.  Together  they  lead  the  way 
directly  north  to  the  Mohawk,  watered  by  the 
broad  bosom  of  the  historic  Schoharie  creek  with 
its  alternating  deeps  and  shallows  and  its  treas-  ■ 
ures  of  bass,  pickerel  and  numerous  other  finny 
game.  The  Little  Schoharie  tumbles  down 
through  that  valley  which  leads  directly  east  to 
Catskill.  The  main  Schoharie  creek  and  val- 
ley rise  from  the  swelling  bosom  of  the  loftiest  of 
the  Catskill  group,  Hioiter  mountain,  coming 
in  at  Middleburgh  from  the  south  by  east.  The 
pickets  of  the  Catskills,  nosing  between  the  two 
valleys  from  the  south,  and  their  sister  or  spur 
summits,  the  Hellebergs  on  the  east,  and  the 
Middlebergs  on  the  west,  maintain  eternal  vigi- 
lence  over  the  pretty  village  nestling  in  security 
from  high  winds  and  cold  winters,  at  their  feet. 
What  a  magnificent  panorama  is  presented  from 
either  one  of  those  summits !  the  Oucongena; 
the  OnistragrawaKgh  (called  by  reason  of  its 
profile,  "  Vroman's  Nose");  the  Mohegonter  with 
its  lofty  pinacle  and  huge  shoulders,  one  of  which 
is  sliced  oif  to  a  perpendicular  height  of  300  feet ; 
or  the  Kanjearagoi-c',  clad  in  leafy  habiliments 
from  its  feet  to  its  black,  rocky  seamed  brows, 
from  which  is  derived  the  name  by  which  it  is 
commonly  known — "  the  Chft^!" 


The  First   Settlement   in  Schoharie  County 

was  at  Middleburgh.  Sixty  families  of  Palatan- 
ates,  refugees  from  old  Germany,  cut  their  way 
through  the  woods  from  the  Hudson  river  in  171 3, 
under  the  leadership  of  John  Conrad  Weiser. 
The  historians  do  not  fix  the  exact  year  of  their 
arrival,  but  after  reading  the  statement  of  grievi- 
ances  which  they  sent  to  King  George  in  1720,  a 
verified  copy  of  which  appears  in  Roscoe's  history, 
that  point  seems  to  be  clear.  They  were  settled 
in  the  camps  of  the  Livingston's  in  1710.  "  The 
latter  end  of  that  year  (referring  to  '  the  second 
year  of  their  abode  at  Livingston's'),"  says  the 
petition,  "There  being  no  provisions  to  be  had 
and  the  people  bare  of  clothes,  which  occasioned 
a  terrible  consternation,  *  *  *  some  of  their 
chiefs  were  suddenly  dispatched  away  to  the  In- 
dians," etc.  This  was  in  the  winter  of  1712. 
"  The  chiefs  returned  to  the  people,  acquainting 
them  with  the  favorable  disposition  of  the  Indians, 
*  *  *  all  hands  were  put  at  work  and  in 
two  weeks  cleared  a  way  through  the  woods  of 
fifteen  miles  long  *  *  *  which  being  effected, 
fifty  families  were  immediately  sent  to  Sihorie." 
This  must  have  been  in  the  beginning  of  the  year 
of  1713,  because  the  petition  a  little  further  on 
says,  "  In  the  same  year  in  March,  did  the  remain- 
der of  the  people  proceed  on  their  journey,  and 
by  God's  assistance  travell'd  in  fourtnight  with 
sledges  thro'  the  snow  which  then  covered  the 
ground  above  three  feet  deep.  Cold  and  Hunger 
joyned  their  friends  and  countrymen  in  the  Prom- 
ised Land,  Sckcrie."  The  Indians  referred  to 
were  the  Mohegans. 

Willard  G.  Putnam,  cashier  of  the  First  Na- 
tional Bank,  has  had  considerable  experience  as  a 
financier.  He  was  born  in  Troy,  August  21,  1838. 
He  received  a  liberal  education  and  in  early  life 

became  identi- 
fied with  the 
Rensselaer  and 
Saratoga  rail- 
road, occupying 
for  ten  years 
the  position  of 
general  ticket 
agent  and  pay- 
master of  that 
road.  During 
the  sixties  he 
established  and 
controlled  the 
Putnam  Ship 
Towing  &  Ex- 
cursion line  of  boats  in  New  York  harbor  and  was 
intimately  associated  with  such  well  known  ship 
owners  as  Moses  H.  Grinnell,  Marshall  O.  Rob- 
erts and  Charles  H.  Marshall.  Sixteen  years  ago 
he  came  to  Middleburgh  for  his  health.  He 
accepted  a  position  in  the  bank  three  years  later, 
and  for  the  past  ten  years  has  served  ably  and 
efficiently  as  cashier.  In  186S  he  married  Miss 
Elizabeth  Shufelt  of  Troy.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  Ivanhoe  Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows,  No.  127,  of 
Brooklyn,  and  is  an  active  member  and  steward 
of  the  Methodist  church  of  Middleburgh. 


The  First  Title  to  Schoharie  Lands  known  to 
have  been  recorded  was  obtained  by  Adam  Vro- 
man  from  the  Indians,  and  the  tract  has  since 
been  known  as  Vroman's  Land.  It  is  two  miles 
south-west  of  Middleburgh.  The  conveyance  is 
dated  Schenectady,  August  20,  171 1.  He  obtained 
a  Royal  Patent  to  these  lauds  from  King  George 
August  26,  1714.     On  March  30,  1726,  he  obtained 


r.RIPS      ILLUSTRATED  SorVIMR 


a  new  jjrant  in.ni  uio  inciiuiis.  He  settled  his 
lands  with  twenty  families  of  Hollanders  and  there 
was  considerable  friction  between  his  people  and 
the  Palatanales  before  they  were  able  to  settle 
down  into  neighborly  relations. 

J.  Schuyler  Vroman  is  a  direct  descendant  of 
Adam  Vroman,  who  by  purchase  from  the  Indians, 
opened  and  settled  a  large  tract  of  land  adjacent 
to  the   village    of    Middleburgh.      Ephraira,    his 

father,  married 
a  daughter  of 
Peter  Mattice  of 
the  town  of  Mid- 
dleburgh. His 
grandfather,  Jo- 
siah,  married  a 
daughter  of  Col. 
Uietz.  Hisgreat- 
grandfather, 
ICphraim,  and 
wife,  suffered  se- 
verely from  the 
depredations  of 
the  toriesand  In- 
dians in  the  rev- 
olution. They  were  driven  from  their  home  by 
Brandt  and  a  party  of  Indians  and  sought  con- 
cealment in  acorn  field.  She  was  murdered,  but  he 
and  an  infant  in  his  arms  were  taken  prisoners. 
Their  descendants  have  multiplied  and  figured 
conspicuously  in  the  growth  and  development  of 
Middleburgh.  Mr.  Vroman  was  born  October  23, 
1844.  He  left  the  farm  at  sixteen  years  of  age 
and  attended  sch<X)l  at  Charlotteville  and  Carlisle. 
At  nineteen  years  of  age  he  taught  school.  In 
1S73  he  went  mto  business  with  (leorge  Shaler  at 
Gilboa,  and  subsequently  returned  to  teaching. 
On  September  i,  iS<)i,  he  married  Alice,  the 
daughter  of  B.  V.  Kniskern,  of  Schoharie.  Her 
grandfather.  Freeman  Stanton,  was  a  prominent 
merchant  of  Middleburgh.  Mr.  Vroman  is  an 
active  democrat  who  maintains  strict  conscientious 
scruples  against  the  use  of  money  in  elections. 
He  IS  a  vigorous  and  untiring  worker  for  the  party. 
He  was  elected  supervisor  last  year  from  the  town 
of  Middleburgh  and  his  otVicial  actions  in  the 
board  carry  with  them  the  conviction  of  a  faith- 
ful discharge  of  duty. 

Middleburgh  Stands  on  Historic  Ground.  It 
was  the  gateway  for  the  tory  and  Indian  expedi- 
tions to  and  from  their  headquarters  on  the 
Niagara  river  during  the  revolutionary  war. 
Three  forts  were  constructed  in  1777  in  the  Scho- 
harie valley  to  dispute  their  pa.ssa^c  and  many 
battles  and  skirmishes  resulted  at  this  point.  All 
that  remains  of  the  middle  fort  one  nide  north  of 
Middleburgh  is  a  narrow  stone  building  with  the 
old  fashioned  steep  Dutch  roof.  A  sketch  of  the 
fort  as  it  stoo<l  at  the  time  of  the  invasion  bv  Sir 
John  Johnson  and  Brant  on  the  17th  day  of  Octo- 
ber, 1780.  when  the  village  and  neighboring  settle- 
ments were  burned,  was  drawn  by  R.  A.  firider, 
of  Canajoliarie,  in  18*7.  Three  acres  were  en- 
closed with  palisades,  the  line  of  which  was  years 
afterwards  verified  by  means  of  holes  in  the 
ground  in  which  were  found  the  rotting  stumps 
of  the  pickets.  The  buildings,  a  stone  house  and 
log  barn  were  standing  within  the  recollection  of 
people  living  in  the  year  Mr.  Cirider  drew  the 
plans.  Within  the  past  few  years  many  valuable 
relics  have  been  plowed  up  on  the  site  of  the  old 
fort  and  on  adiacx-nt  lands.  Mr.  F.  H.  Mallery 
has  a  curious  collection  of  arrow  heads,  coins, 
musket  locks  and  balls.  Knives  and  tomahawks 
have  l)cen  picked  up  in  the  village.  .-Vniong  the 
latter  is  a  most  curious  pipe  and  blade  attached 
to  a  handle  bearing  fifty  notches. 


Middleburgh  was  Erected  into  a  Town  March 
17.  17)7.  It  was  then  Middletown.  It  received 
its  present  name  April  7,  iSoi.  Schoharie  county 
was  formed  from  Albany  and  Otsego  counties 
April  6,  1 795.  The  town  of  Fulton  was  detached 
from  Middleburgh  April  15,  1S29,  and  the  present 
limits  were  established  by  detaching  portions  now 
included  in  the  town  of  Broome  in  1549.  The  vil- 
lage was  originally  Weiser's  dorf.  It  was  subse- 
quently known  as  Hunterfield  The  village  was 
incorporated  April  16,  iSSi.  Those  who  are  enti- 
tled to  credit  for  the  movement  are  George  I»<Klge, 
Vi.  N.  Frisbie,  J.  F.  Young,  H.  l>.  Wells,  Harrison 
Hallenbeck,  Wm.  Dunn,  M.  Guernsev.  J.  L.  ICngle, 
David  Bassler.  W.  H.  Engle.  Johii  H.  Mallerv, 
W.  E.  Thorne,  Hadley  Snyder,  A.  J.  Freemyer, 
G.  S.  Lvnes,  John  H.  Cornell,  F'rank  Straub,  J'.  H. 
Badgley,  G.  L.  Danforth.  Joseph  Becker.  W,  E. 
Bassler,  J.  Neville,  D.  Beekman,  M.  Scult.  Dr. 
James  Lawyer. 

William  E.  T."iome,  is  the  president  of  the  vil- 
lage of  Middleburgh.  chosen  for  the  eleventh  time, 
Hve  times  consecutively  without  opposition  in  the 
caucus  or  at  the  |X)lls.     He  is  prominent  in  everv 

: progressive 

~'i  ;■   in    village 
:■-.    the   in- 


'.  he  nrc  depart- 
•neiit.  the  build- 
ng  of  the  water 
\-  o  r  k  s  ,      the 


i  the  CoojH  r-- 
•■■•wn.  Mwltlle- 
burgh  &  Cats- 
kill  r.iili. I  ,;;y  he  was  a  promoter 
and  is  the  president.  He  is  prominent  in  the 
cemetery  associatitm  and  is  a  director  of  the  Mid- 
dlebnrgli  &  Schoharie  railroad.  He  was  born  in 
Athens.  Greene  county,  Julv  21,  1S42.  He  was 
educated  in  the  academy  at  knox,  Albany  c<"""v 
and  stu<lied  law  with  Judge  Mayliam  .-it  Hler: 
N.  Y.  He  was  admitte<l  to  practice  in  thi  -■  .■ 
courts  December,  1805,  and  to  the  United  States 
courts  April,  1S67.  He  entered  into  partnership 
with  the  late  Judge  Lyman  Sanford  at  Middle- 
burgh, January  1,  i568,  which  continued  up  to  the 
latter's  death,  .March.  iSsi.  He  served  as  district 
attorney  in  187*,  and  was  prominently  supported 
for  county  judge  a  year  ago  ii.^...,:  .^v..— ... 
gate  in  s|>ecial  ca.ses  where  tli' 

fied.     He  is  one  of  the  most  ;  .■- 

in  the  county  having  been  delegate  to  a  nunilwr 
of  state  conventions  and  having  served  as  chair- 
man fif  the  town  committee  for  twenty-one  con- 
secutive terms.  He  is  an  Odd  Fellow  and  was 
the  first  master  of  the  local  M  '    Igc  and  in 

1877-S   was   district   deputy  .^ter  of  the 

nth  Masonic  district.     He  l^  :^,., :  as  one  of 

the  liest  working  Masons  in  the  state.  He  is  also 
a  meml>er  of  the  Burgess  Corps  and  St  George's 
Commandery  at  Schenectady. 

George  A.  Dutton  is  one  of  the  board  of  village 
trustees  and  a  nieiiiber  c.f  the  democratic  county 
committee.  He  was  born  in  Bioome,  September 
J3.  1*37.  and  ilevoted  his  entire  time  to  farming 
until  1SS7,  when  he  moved  into  the  village.  He 
owns  a  farm  of  3<;o  acres  which  occupies  much  of 
his  attention.      It  is  situated  two  miles  east  of 


GRIP'S"    ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


The  old  Bridge  at  Middleburgh  — Schoharie  Vallev. 


Franklinton.  His  principal  interest  is  sheep  rais- 
ing, in  which  he  has  been  quite  successful.  On 
March  4,  1874,  he  married  Elmira  B.,  the  daughter 
of  Robert  C.  Leonard,  of  Broome.  They  are 
identified  with  the  Reformed  church,  at  which 
they  are  regular  attendants.  Mr.  Dutton  is  a 
member  of  the  local  Masonic  lodge.  He  has  inter- 
ested himself  in  the  necessity  of  water  works  and 
as  a  member  of  the  village  board  of  trustees  did 
his  share  towards  making  the  enterprise  an  assured 
fact. 

William  Tompkins,  a  trustee  of  the  village  of 
Middleburgh,  was  born  in  that  town  April  2,  1848. 
His  father,  Samuel,  was  a  farmer.  At  eighteen 
years  of  age  Mr.  Tompkins  moved  to  the  village. 
He  learned  the  trade  of  a  moulder  and  followed 
that  business  for  fifteen  years,  having  for  a  part- 
ner Nathaniel  Tompkins.  He  subsequently  built 
a  saw  mill  which  he  has  since  conducted,  turning 
out  lumber  for  the  trade.  He  is  a  member  of  La 
Bastile  lodge  of  Odd  Fellows  No.  494  of  Middle- 
burgh. He  married  Abbie,  the  daughter  of  John 
Lambert,  in  February,  1S88.  He  was  elected  a 
trustee  of  the  village  a  year  ago  last  spring  and  is 
one  of  the  board  which  has  brought  into  the  vil- 
lage the  new  water  system. 

George  E.  Borst,  one  of  the  village  trustees, 
occupies  much  of  his  time  in  the  public  affairs  of 
the  town.  He  was  born  in  Middleburgh,  January 
27,  1S45.  Twenty-five  years  ago  he  started  in  the 
harness  business  on  Railroad  street,  subsequently 
locating  in  the  Borst  block  on  Main  street,  where 
he  now  conducts  a  large  harness  and  general 
saddlery  supply  and  manufacturing  establishment, 
dealing  entensively  in  wagons  and  sleighs.  He  is 
actively  identified  with  the  Methodist  church, 
being  one  of  the  building  committee.  He  is 
treasurer  of  the  Middleburgh  Cemetery  associa- 
tion and  of    the  fire  department.     Mr.   Borst  is 


entitled  to  a  share  of  credit  as  one  of  the  village 
board  in  granting  a  franchise  for  the  new  water 
company. 

William  H.  Neville,  for  three  years  the  editor 
of  the  Gazette  and  for  two  years  a  member  of 
thedemocratic  county  committee,  but  who  resigned 
this  fall,  was  born  at  Middleburgh,  August  6,  1867. 

His  father,  Jacob 
Neville,  was  a 
prominent  demo- 
crat and  for  thir- 
ty years  one  of 
the  best  known 
merchants  in  the 
town.  He  left  a 
handsome  com- 
petence at  the 
timeof  hisdeath. 
His  son,  William 
H.,  attended  the 
Albany  academy 
1881-5.  He  was 
deputy  in  the 
post-oftice  under  his  father  during  Cleveland's 
first  administration,  and  following  that  was  with 
the  Brandow  Printing  Company  at  Albanj-  one 
year.  On  December  10,  iSgi,  he  bought  the  Mid- 
dleburgh Gasette.  which  he  sold  September  6, 
1894.  On  June  22,  1893,  he  married  Maude  E., 
the  daughter  of  H.  O.  Lewis,  of  Cones ville.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows  Encampment, 
Canton  Young  at  Schoharie,  the  Middleburgh 
lodge  F.  and  A.  M.,  and  the  Red  Men. 

George  W.  Vroman,  a  leading  merchant,  was 
born  in  Middleburgh,  October  21,  184S.  His 
father,  Abram  L.  Vroman,  was  an  old  resident  of 
the  town,  a  carpenter  by  trade.     His  mother  was 


GRIPS"   ILLUSTRATED  SOLVENIR. 


Snphia  Effner.  Her  father.  Joseph,  was  latgcly 
engaj^ed  in  the  tannery  business  when  that 
was  an  important  imluslry  of  Middleburgh, 
Mr.  Vroman  began  a  clerkship  at  twenty  years 
of  age,  first  with  Philip  Humphrey,'  after- 
wards with  William  Borst,  and  later  with  G.N. 
Frisbie.  Then  he  began  the  drug  business  with 
Hoag  &  Richtmyer  and  when  that  firm  dissolved 
he  continued  with  Richtmyer  until  J.  T.  Dunn 
bought  him  out.  Mr.  Dunn  died  in  18S3.  and  Mr. 
Vroman  and  iJr.  James  T.  Lawyer  formed  a  co- 
partnership the  same  year  and  continued  the  same 
business  until  the  latter  died  in  iSqo.  In  1S92  the 
affairs  of  the  firm  bemg  settled,  Mr.  Vroman  re- 
tired and  the  following  year  started  in  alone  where 
he  now  is  with  a  new  and  large  stock.  Here  he 
has  built  a  large  and  prosperous  business.  For 
years  he  was  an  active  democrat.  Afterwards  he 
entered  the  prohibition  movement,  which  ap- 
pealed to  his  priciciijles.  and  he  is  to. day  foremost 
in  that  cause.  He  is  a  trustee  of  the  M.  Iv.  church 
and  an  Odd  Fellow.  On  February  7,  1887.  he 
married  Irene,  the  daughter  of  Lewis  Fox  of  Mid- 
dleburgh.  They  have  two  children,  Everett  and 
Kdna. 

Pierre  W.  Danforth,  the  editor  of  the  Middle- 
biirgli  l'r,-5s,  is  the  youngest  editor  in  the  county. 
In  September,  1889,  he  started  The  Welcome 
Guest,  a  two  column  folio  monthly.  This  he  pub- 
lished until  last  year  when  he  made  a  three  col- 
umn folio,  weekly,  and  gave  it  the  present  name. 
This  year  he  publishes  the  Press  as  a  three-col- 
umn quarto  and  is  making  a  newsy,  successful 
sheet.     He  is  studying  law  with  his  father. 


lik~l    Nvn.'VM    lUsK.   Mi.|.l)i-I>urv;h.  \,  Y 

Village  and  Town  Officers. 
President  —  Wii.i  1  am  Tiiok.se. 
Trustees— (iF.oKi-.K  E.  Hokst,  Geoki;e  A.  l)i  i- 

TON.   \V,M.    I'.  To-MTKINS. 

Village  Clerk  — \Vi  I.I. I  AM  II.  N'kviii.k, 

Treasurer  —  W.  G.  PtiNAM. 

Collector  — S.  M.  Simi'kins. 

Street  Commissioner  —  Rohkrt  Wooh. 

Police  Justice—  11.  M.  Maksei.lis. 

Police    Constables  —  O.    C.    Sornherc.f.r.    M. 

SlllKK.   AmhK.i^K    Cllli  IIKMKK. 

County  School  Commissioner,  1st   District  — 

J.    K.    \\\  Kk>"N. 

Board  of  Education —Gkorcf.  L.  nASKiiKiii, 
President;  J.  E.  VouNc,  Secretary;  Dr.  C.  S.  Best, 
Commissioner;  Daniel  D.  Frishib,   Treasurer. 

Supervisor — J.  Sciu'vi.er  Vroman.      ^, 

Town  Clerk  — F.  A.  Sii.i.ivan. 


Justices  of  Peace  —  Josei'ii    Becker,    H.    M. 

Makseliis,  CiiEbiKK   Wilson,  George  S.  Atchin- 

SON. 

The  Town  Board  audits  all  accounts.  It  is 
composed  of  the  Supervisor  and  the  four  Justices 
of  the  Peace.  The  Town  Clerk  acts  as  secretary 
of  the  board. 

George  Lintner  Danforth,  lawyer,  literateur 
and  historian,  is  the  descendant  of  an  old  estab- 
lished family  which  was  so  largely  active  in  the 
settlement  and  building  up  of  Schoharie  county. 

He    lakes    deep 
interest  and  de- 


votes   much    of 

r"               ^^  his     time     and 

I                  ^B  I      means  in  histor- 

T|^  ^^^J^M  ical    researches. 

^^  ^^^^^^L  which    prove  of 

^^        ^^m  so    much    value 

^^r^^K^^l^r  in    later    years. 

^K^KKJ^^^  He        the  presi- 

'^^^^^^^p'  dent  of  theScho- 

^^^^^P^.  harie  County 

^^^^^^\^^L  Historical  Socie- 

^BMm^^^^^B^JI^^)  which  is  do- 

ing very  much  in 
preserving  local  records  and  historical  relics,  and 
he  has  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  societv  many 
valuable  facts  in  the  form  of  writings  and  addresses. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  constitutional  convention 
of  1S94.  His  grandfather.  George,  a  lawver  of 
preeminent  ability,  died  in  the  south.  His  father, 
the  late  supreme  court  judge,  Peter  S.  Danforth. 
lived  to  more  than  three  score  and  fifteen  years 
and  filled  the  jiages  of  local  history  with  the  lustre 
of  his  personal  qualuies.  He  died  three  years 
ago.  George  Lintner  was  born  at  Middlebiirgh. 
N.  Y..  July  19.  1844.  lie  was  graduated  at  Rut- 
gers college  in  1S63.  He  is  trustee  of  that  ancient 
institution  and  president  of  its  alumni  association. 
He  was  admitted  to  practice  law  in  1S65.  He  is 
president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  I'nion 
Free  school,  director  of  the  First  National  bank, 
and  treasurer  of  the  Middleburgh  and  Schoharie 
Kailro.id  Company.  He  is  an  active  .Mason  and 
odil  Fell  iw  an<l  an  exirnest  democrat  in  politics. 
His  home  is  the  spacious  ancestral  mansion  in  the 
pretiiest  portion  of  the  valley,  where  the  hospi- 
tality of  the  Danforth's  of  \ears  ago  is  fully  main- 
tained by  .Mr.  Danforth  and  his  atxomplished  wife. 
His  only  child.  Mr.  Pierre  W.  Danforth.  is  a  stu- 
dent at  law  in  his  oHice  and  the  editor  and  pub- 
lisher of  the  Mi<ldleburgh  Press. 

The  Union  Free  School  of  the  village  of  Mid- 
dleburgh was  established  by  a  union  of  school 
districts,  Nos.  4,  7  an<l  8.  by  a  vote  of  the  three 
districts  taken  at  a  union  meeting  held  in  the  vil- 
lage of  Middleburgh,  January  10,  i?S3.  The  first 
board  of  education  chosen  at  that  meeting  were 
W.  H.  Albro,  Harmon  Vroman  and  Montraville 
l^ernsey.  Mr.  Albro  was  elected  president  Mr. 
Gernsey  died  the  following  September  and  Lewis 
Fox  was  elected  in  October  to  fill  the  vacancy. 
The  Ixiard  purchased  a  plot  of  two  acres  on 
Main  street  of  Dr.  Henry  Wells  and  Bartholo- 
mew Becker,  each  receiving  $i.;oo.  The  building 
is  a  three  story  brick  structure  surmounted  by  a 
cupula.  The  first  and  second  floors  arc  each 
equally  divided  by  a  main  hall  passing  from 
the  front  to  the  rear  entrance  with  two  rooms 
on  each  side.  Two  flights  of  stairs  lead  from 
the  first  floor  to  the  top   story  which  is  entirely 


GRIP'S"    ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


devoted  to  a  public  hall,  probably  the  most 
commodious  in  the  county.  The  building  com- 
plete cost  about  $17,000.  It  is  supplied  with  as 
good  a  philosophical  apparatus  and  library  as  can 
be  found  in  any  school  district  of  the  size,  at  a 
cost  of  about  $1,000.  Two  furnaces  with  registers 
cost  $2,000,  the  furniture  another  $1,000.  This 
with  the  cost  of  the  land  and  the  subsequent  grad- 
ing, laying  walks,  etc.,  brings  the  total  cost  of  the 
school  property  and  furnishings  up  to  about 
$25,000. 

J.  Edward  Young,  editor  of  the  Middteburgh 
Gii::t'ite  and  member  of  the  board  of  education, 
was  born  in  Prattsville,  Greene  county,  N.  Y., 
January  6,  1S48.  He  graduated  at  Roxbury  sem- 
inary. He  is  a 
forcible,  vigor- 
ous writer  doing 
considerable  lit- 
erary work  for 
other  publica- 
t  i  o  n  s .  He 
served  as  town 
clerk  two  years 
and  for  twelve 
consecutive 
years,  begin- 
ning 1881,  vil- 
lage clerk.  He 
represented 
Schoharie  coun- 
ty in  the  assem- 
bly of  i8Sg.  He  is  a  stockholder  in  the  first 
National  bank,  and  is  one  of  the  promoters  and 
directors  of  the  Middleburgh  Water  company. 
He  was  active  in  the  incorporation  of  the  village 
and  has  served  si.x  years  as  treasurer  for  the  Mid- 
dleburgh academy,  being,  in  1892,  unanimously 
elected  member  of  the  board.  He  is  an  uncom- 
promising democrat  often  representing  his  party 
in  state  and  county  conventions  and  on  the  connty 
committee.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Inez,  daugh- 
ter of  James  A.  Bouck  of  Conesville  on  Nov.  15, 
1893.  He  is  district  deputy  grand  patriarch,  I,  O. 
O.  F.  for  the  .Schoharie  district,  and  a  member  of 
Canton  Young  of  Schoharie,  which  is  named  after 
him. 


F.  A.  Wells,  of  Badgley  &  Wells,  is  one  of  the 
young,  enterprising  business  men  of  the  village. 
He  was  born  in  Middleburgh,  December  13,  1859. 
At  twenty  years  of  age  he  entered  a  clerkship  with 
J.  B.  Badgley  in  the  drug  business.  Eight  years 
ago  he  accepted  an  interest  in  the  store.  C.  M. 
Badgley,  also  a  partner,  has  since  retired  from 
the  firm  and  it  has  continued  under  the  firm  name 
of  Badgley  &  Wells.  The  latter  is  a  charter  and 
active  mem.ber  of  the  Scribner  hook  and  ladder 
company  and  is  personally  active  in  whatever 
promises  the  best  interests  of  the  village.  In 
March,  1891,  he  married  Miss  Ina  Straub.  The 
firm  does  a  large  and  widely  e.xtended  business  in 
drugs,  paints,  oils  and  adjunctory  lines  of  mer- 
chandise. Its  patronage  comes  from  a  considera- 
ble stretch  of  country.  The  store  is  in  a  commo- 
dious building  in  the  centre  of  the  village  and 
occupies  two  floors. 

Robert  0.  Gordon,  proprietor  of  the  Gordon 
House  has  built  up  a  paying  business,  having  had 
considerable  experience  behind  the  desk  in  the 
leading  Susquehanna  valley  hotels.  He  was  clerk 
in  the  Babcock  at  East  Worcester  three  years,  in 
the  Central  at  Oneonta  four  and  a  half  years,  in 
the  Ballard  at  Cooperstown  four  years  and  in  the 
White  House  at  Middleburgh  four  and  one-hal 


years.  He  is  an  active  democrat,  a  member  of 
the  local  Masonic  order  and  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Red  Men. 

P.  H.  Fredericks  is  one  of  the  largest  furniture 
dealers  in  the  county.  He  was  born  in  Seward, 
Schoharie  county,  January  5,  1840.  At  twenty-two 
years  of  age  he  learned  the  carpenter's  trade  and 
followed  it  sixteen  years  in  Cobleskill.  For  four 
years  he  manufactured  spring  beds,  On  Novem- 
ber 27,  1882,  he  came  to  Middleburgh  and  began 
business  in  furniture  and  undertaking  on  Railroad 
street.  In  18S6  he  bought  a  most  eligible  plot 
41  -x  600  feet  on  Main  street,  in  the  center  of  the 
village.  On  this  he  erected  a  pretty  three  story 
brick  building.  His  property  comprises  one  of  the 
best  block  of  building  sites  in  town.  His  stock  of 
goods  includes  carpets,  furniture,  oil  cloths,  etc., 
a  considerable  portion  of  the  best  articles  of  which 
he  manufactures  himself.  The  building  comprises 
his  store  on  the  ground  floor,  a  suite  of  residences 
on  the  second  floor,  and  a  commodious  lodge 
room  on  the  third  floor  which  is  occupied  by  the 
La  Bastile  Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows  No.  494. 

The  Firm  of  West  &  Taylor  was  established 
in  1891.  The  business  consists  of  groceries,  pro- 
visions and  flour  and  feed,  which  are  supplied  to  a 
large  farming  section.  During  the  first  year  the 
firm  sold  1000  barrels  of  flour  and  twenty-five  car 
loads  of  feed,  which  was  then  regarded  as  a  re- 
markable trade.  Subsequently  these  figures  have 
increased  each  year,  the  trade  reaching  for  several 
miles  in  every  direction.  The  store  capacity  be- 
coming overtaxed  the  firm  secured  a  warehouse  at 
the  depot  where  the  unloading  of  cars  is  facilitated 
and  where  a  large  stock  can  be  safely  and  conven- 
iently stored.  The  firm  has  the  agency  of  the 
Granite  City  mills,  St.  Cloud,  Minn.,  and  flour  is 
shipped  directly  from  the  mills  to  them.  They 
also  buy  and  ship  large  consignments  of  country 
produce. 

The  Union  Free   School   Teachers.  —  H.    H. 

Snei.l,  Ph. B.,  principal  and  librarian;  Mattii.de 
E.  Snell,  vice-principal;  Miss  Ella  C.  Crosswell, 
perceptress;  Miss  Elizabeth  M.  Rorick,  gram- 
mar department;  Miss  Alice  M.  ReQua,  inter- 
mediate department;  Miss  Anna  E.  Becker,  A. 
primary;  Miss  Cornelia  Bouck,  B.  primary. 


John  Philip  Segner,  a  leading  furniture  dealer, 
undertaker  and  embalmer,  is  a  representative 
German-American  citizen  and  is  active  in  local 
democratic  politics,  having  served  as  town  clerk 

two  years.  He 
was  born  in 
Wertheim,  Ger- 
many, June  22, 
i860,  where  he 
learned  the 
trade  of  cabinet 
maker.  He 
worked  in  Liv- 
erpool at  nine- 
teen years  of 
age  and  landed 
in  Middleburgh 
August,  1880, 
and  was  em- 
ployed by  John 
Souers.  In  1881  he  traveled  through  the  west  and 
on  his  return  formed  a  copartnership  with  Souers. 
This  was  dissolved  in  1S84  and  Segner  journeyed 
around  the  globe.  In  1887  he  succeeded  Souers 
and  has  since  built  up  a  large  business.  He  is  a 
practical  undertaker  and  embalmer  having  a 
diploma  from  the  United  States  College  of  Em- 
balming dated  August  7,  iSgi.  On  April  23,  t8S8, 
he  married  a  daughter  of  George  P.  Messer  of 
Middleburgh. 


8 


"GRIP'S"   n.LrSTRATRD  SOUVENIR. 


A.  J.  Freemyer.    the   proprietor  of    the   Free- 

myer  house,  was  born  in  the  town  o(  MicUilebur>;h. 

July  21.  i8s6.     The  family  is  among  the  oldest  in 

the  county.     On  April  i,  1S59,  he  lea.sed  the  tavern 

.^^^^^^^^^^^      I       in  the  east  end 

^J^3^^^^^^^^  '       'iwned  by  Jonas 

/'       ^^^^  Persons. '1  othis 

/               ^K  lie      gave      the 

fl>  ^~     wM  name  of    Bull's 

^  Mead.  On  .April 

inyer  leased  the 
hotel  now  bear- 
ing his  name 
a  n  cl  s  u  b  s  e- 
quently  pur- 
chased the  prop- 
erty, lie  budt 
a  large  addition 
and  raised  the  main  part  and  has  since  spent  many 
hundreds  of  dollars  in  improvements.  In  1S54 
he  married  Nancv  Catharine,  the  daughter  of  \Vm. 
Shaver.  Their  son,  William,  is  dead.  Their 
daughter  is  Mrs.  Hiram  Bender,  of  Albany.  Mr. 
Freemyer  is  a  staunch  democrat  and  years  ago 
was  very  active  in  local  politics.  The  Freemyer 
House  was  built  seventy  years  ago  by  a  merchant 
named  Fcrrill.  The  landlords  up  to  Mr.  Frce- 
myer's  time  were  Messrs.  Tyler  and  Holton, 
Abram  S.  Ue  Myers,  Nicholas  Snyder.  David 
Danforth,  one  Buckingham  and  E.  I).  Atchison. 


Dr.  Hadley  Snyder,  for  years  a  denK)cratic 
leader,  in  iSS:  a  member  of  assembly,  for  three 
years  a  school  trustee  and  one  of  the  promoters 
of  the  present  excellent  graded  school  and  for  a 
number  of  terms  a  supervisor,  was  born  October 
21,  1S31,  at  Newville,  Herkimer  county.  At  four- 
teen years  of  age  he  entered  the  dental  office  >•: 
Dr.  H.  D.  Hall  in  New  York.  When  nineteen 
years  old  he  located  at  Middleburgh.  The  doctor 
served  three  terms  as  school  trustee,  employing 
the  best  teachers  and  so  th<iroughly  arousing  the 
village  to  the  need  of  a  graded  sch(x>l  that  from 
that  time  the  subject  was  exploited  until  the 
change  was  made.  On  November  25.  185S,  the  doc- 
tor married  Cornelia  Irwin,  his  first  wife.  They 
had  one  daughter,  now  the  wife  of  Dr.  J.  C.  Nef- 
son,  a  prominent  physician  of  Truxton.  Cortland 
county.  The  doctors  present  wife  was  Miss  Alice 
Pett  of  Ritchtield  Springs. 


^   #» 


Seymour  Shafer,  clerk  in  the  Freemyer  House 
who  has  beiiime  c|uite  popular  with  the  traveling 
public,  was  born  at  Richmondville,  October  19, 
1862.     His  father,  lohn  Shafer,  was  a  hotel  man 

of  ex|)ericnce, 
proprietor  of 
,j^.  what  is  now  the 

«^  White        House 

.ind  afterwards 
■  h  e      IC  m  ])  i  r  e 
House  at   Rich- 
{^^  ^^  nondville.      He 

"^  A- as  a  bi  irn  land- 

.  Uird  and  his  son 

^  ^  inherits    the 

same  trait.  The 
l.itlcr  married 
(ieorgie. daugh- 
ter of  (Icorge 
Craw  of  Grand 
Gorge,  Octolicr  15,  1884.  He  is  an  active  worker 
for  the  local  democratic  parly.      He  began  the  hotel 


r 


business  in  18S1  and  is  very  widely  acquainted  with 
the  hotel  patrons  of  the  Susquehanna.  He  is  a  great 
admirer  of  gcMKl  horses.  He  has  ser\-ed  five  years 
in  the  fire  department  and  is  an  honorary  mem- 
ber of  the  steamer  company.  He  is  junior  deacon 
in  the  Middleburgh  lo<lge,'  F.  &  A.'.M  ,  and  con- 
ductor and  vice  grand  in  the  Odd  Fellows.  He  is 
also  a  member  of  the  Red  Men. 

Mrs.  A.  P.  Snyder,  milliner,  has  for  eight  years 
conducted  the  business  in  Middleburgh.  After 
ten  years  experience,  Mrs.  Snyder  gives  the  ladies 
of  Middleburgh  an  opportunity  to  secure  the  latest 
styles  of  hats  without  the  necessity  of  going  out 
of  town.  She  brings  direct  from  New  York  the 
freshest  line  of  ladies'  fancy  goo<ls,  dress  silks, 
fancy  yarns,  notions,  ribbons,'  articles  for  making 
fancy  work,  ready  made  muslins,  woolen  under- 
wear, velvets,  etc  Her  trimmings  are  up  to  the 
times  and  the  verj-  prettiest  that  can  be  devised. 

Mrs.  Ii.  C.  White  has  proven  that  a  thoroughly 
business  woman  can  successfully  manage  a  first- 
cla.ss  hotel  without  stepping  out  of  her  natural 
sphere  in  life.      On   the  death   of  her  husband. 

William  Sidney 
White,  which 
iKCurred  Janu- 
ary 31,  1S91,  she 
was  left  with 
the  large  hotel 
proiierty,  the 
White  '  House, 
on  her  hands. 
She  was  i)laccHl 
in  the  position 
where  she  had 
to  sacrifice  val- 
uable interests 
or  take  the 
management 
into  her  own  hands.  With  indomitable  pluck  she 
at  once  chose  the  latter  alternative.  With  busi- 
ness sagacity  and  an  earnest  desire  to  preserve  all 
in  the  world  that  was  left  to  her.  she  took  the 
reins  entirely  in  her  own  hands  and  has  l>een  re- 
warded with  a  prosperous  and  paying  business. 
Her  husband  was  formerly  from  Catskill.  He 
took  the  White  House  in  April,  1S90.  Mrs.  White 
is  a  native  of  BrcKiklyn  ami  a  graduate  of  the 
High  schiMil  in  that  city.  She  married  .Mr.  White 
December  15.  i.*So.  By  ]>ersevcrence  and  excel- 
lent management  she  has  made  the  White  House 
one  of  the  l)est  hotels  along  the  Sus(|Uehanna. 

The  Hotel  Martin,  a  popular  hostelry  on  Rail- 
road street,  was  purchased  by  Peter  Martin  fifteen 
years  ago.  Mr.  Martin,  a  native  of  Alsace-Lor- 
raine, came  to  America  when  seventeen  years  old. 
He  acquired  a  considerable  coni|)etence  in  a  res- 
taurant in  Schoharie,  which  he  conducted  for  fif- 
teen years.  Twenty  years  ago  he  owned  an  inter- 
est in  the  hotel  proiK-rty  at  Howe's  Cave.  Since 
he  inirchased  the  Hotel  .Marlin  he  has  builtalarge 
addition,  making  it  one  of  the  largest  hotels  in 
town.  He  is  widely  known  as  a  hearty,  good 
nature<l  landlord  and  his  hotel  is  a  favorite  resort. 

George  Simpkins,  the  Middleburgh  representa- 
tive of  •iIkh  s  "  G.\/Knii,  has  served  faithfully 
as  assistant  in  the  National  Kxpress  office.  He 
{Misscsses  good  business  qualities  and  is  widely 
acquaintetl.  He  would  make  a  hustling  local 
manager  in  any  branch  of  biisines.s. 


GRIP'S"  ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


The  Express  Business  of  ihe  town  has  grown 
enormously  since  the  National  Express  company 
established  an  office  there  ten  years  ago.  Mr. 
Charles    L.   Haines,  a   popular   young   man,  was 

placed  in  charge 
and  since  then  he 
has  drummed  up 
the  business  to 
double  what  it 
was  the  first  year. 
His  duties  at  first 
included  messen- 


society,  the  F.  and  A.  M.,  and  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He 
took  an  active  part  in  organizing  the  volunteer 
fire  department.  He  built  the  telegraph  line 
which  he  owns  and  operates,  June  i,  i88g.  He 
has  control  of  the  telephone  and  the  local  office  of 
the  United  States  signal  service. 


ger  service  on  the 
railroad.  Now  he 
has  a  regular 
messenger,  Mr. 
George  Bassler, 
and  an  assistant 
in  the  office,  Mr. 
George  Simpkins, 
besides  wagon  delivery  and  driver.  In  the  ship- 
ment of  plums  and  dairy  produce  there  has  been 
a  wonderful  increase,  30,000  baskets  of  plums 
having  been  shipped  the  past  season.  The  con- 
servative, safe  and  ample  facilities  afforded  by 
the  National  are  behind  their  hustling  agent.  Mr. 
Haines  was  born  in  Fulton,  December  2S,  1559. 
On  December  17.  1SS4,  he  married  Lizzie  E. , 
the  daughter  of  John  Kinney  of  Middleburgh. 
He  is  a  red-hot  democrat  and  a  worker.  He  be- 
longs to  the  Masonic  order  and  is  the  foreman  of 
the  Scribner  hook  and  ladder  company. 

The  Post  Office  rates  among  the  best  in  the 
county.  There  have  been  generally  the  ap- 
pointment on  both  sides  of  leading  business 
men  —  in  this  way  the  best  standard  of  e.xcellence 
has  been  maintained  —  such  reputable  business 
men  as  Jacob  Neville  (democrat),  W.  E.  Bassler 
(republican),  and  Alonzo  Almy  (democrat),  the 
present  incumbent.  The  office  distributes  mail  to 
eastern  Schoharie  and  south-eastern  Albany  coun- 
ties via  Livingstonville,  Franklinton,  Preston 
Hollow  and  Potter's  Hollow.  Mail  is  also  for- 
warded to  south-eastern  Schoharie  county  via 
Fulton,  Breakabeen  and  Blenheim.  The  office 
attendance  is  prompt  and  seldom  an  error  occurs. 
EuwARii  Cowan,  the  deputy,  is  in  charge  and 
Claud  Bouck  is  his  assistant. 


Frank  X.  Straub,  the  founder  and  owner  of 
the  telegraph  line  and  business  in  Middleburgh, 
has  been  personally  identified  with  every  public 
improvement  in  the  town,  including  the  village  in. 

corporation  and 
the      establish- 
^^^^  ^  ment  of  the  fire 

mf^^       \  department.  He 

H,  I  was     born      in 

H     .^  «>  Stuttgart,  Wur- 

^  temberg,     Ger- 

many, June  I, 
1847,  of  Catholic 
parentage.  At 
the  age  of  four 
years  he  landed 
in  New  York. 
He  was  edu- 
cated in  a  Ger- 
man school  in 
Brooklyn  and  settled  in  Middleburgh  in  1S6S.  He 
was  confirmed  in  St.  Luke's  church  at  Middleburgh 
by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  C.  Doane  in  i86g.  In  1S70 
he  married  Emmartte  E.,  the  daughter  of  Mon- 
treville  Gernsey,  of  Middleburgh.  In  1SS6  he 
visited  his  old  home  in  Germany  and  received  a 
royal  welcome.  He  has  been  an  active  member 
of  the  Good    Templars,   the  Columbian  Literary 


The  Fire  Department,  one  of  the  best  of  the 
volunteers  in  the  state,  was  organized  December 
31,  1887,  by  a  vote  of  the  village  trustees:  William 
Thorne,  president,  J.  C.  Borst,  George  S.  Lynes 
and  Frank  Snyder,  trustees.  George  L.  Dan- 
forth  was  elected  chief  and  has  since  held  that 
office.  A  neat  and  commodious  two  story  brick 
building  had  already  been  constructed  at  the 
moderate  cost  of  §2,000.  A  steamer  and  a  hook 
and  ladder  company  were  organized.  Subscrip- 
tions were  taken  to  purchase  a  steamer,  which  has 
proven  a  useful  and  first-class  article,  at  a  cost  of 
$2,000.  J.  M.  Scribner,  a  New  York  business 
man  who  makes  Middleburgh  his  summer  home, 
drew  his  check  for  the  purchase  of  a  hook  and 
ladder  truck,  and  the  company  was  named  after 
him. 

The  Officers  of  the  Dei'Artmen'f. 

Chief  Engineer  —  Geori.e  L.  Danforth. 

Assistant  Chief — Emmett  Vroman. 

Cter/;  —  Georue  Basslek. 

Treasurer  —  George  E.  Borst. 

Fire  Board  consists  of  the  President  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  the  village,  the  Chief  Engin- 
eer and  the  Foreman  of  each  company. 

The  rules  of  the  department  were  printed  by 
the  board  of  trustees  and  accepted  by  the  depart- 
ment. Each  company  has  monthly  meetings  and 
the  department  quarterly  meetings. 

J.  M.  Scribner  H.  and  L.  Co. 

Foreman,  Chari.es  L.  Haines. 

first  Assistant,  Frank  Benn. 

Seeond  Assistant,  G.  L.  Fox. 

Secretary,  John  C.  Miller. 

Treasurer,  E.  W.  Vroman. 

Drill  Master,  Henry  Shaver. 

Porter,  Monroe  Baker. 

Honorary  Members:  John  M.  Scribner,  W.  E. 
Thorne,  J.  C.  Borst,  G.  N.  Frisbie,  J.  S.  Vroman, 
John  Rossman,  M.D.,  Jacob  Neville  (deceased 
Sept.  16,  i89i).  W.  E.  Bassler.  Durvea  Beekman, 
W.  G.  Putnam,  J.  E.  Young,  P.  S.  Danforth  (de- 
ceased July  10.  1892),  J.  B.  Badgley,  James  Law- 
yer (deceased  Oct.,  i8gi),  C.  S.  Best,  M.D.,  W.  H. 
Beller,  H.  D.  Wells,  Charles  A.  White. 

Charter  Members:  C.  M.  Badglev,  E.  D.  Becker, 
Dow  Beekman,  Georjre  Billings.  I.  L.  Brayman, 
J.  M.  Burchard,  H.  Brazee,  A.  W.  Chatfield.  J.  L. 
Dennison.  F.  W.  Fo.x,  Lee  Frederick,  C  L. 
Haines,  Theodore  Head,  I.  B.  Hess.  J.  T.  Kelsey, 
A.  J.  Kniffen,  Henrv  McBain,  VV.  H.  Neville, 
M.  E.  Owen,  C.  H.'  Rhinehardt,  E.  Simpkins, 
G.  W.  Simpkins.  A.  W.  Stevenson,  F.  X.  Straub, 
W.  Travers,  E.  W.  Vroman,  Jesse  Vroman,  T.  B. 
Vroman,  W.  C.  Vroman,  F.  A.  Wells,  F.  L.  Wil- 
liams, C.  E.  White.  M.  Wilson,  W.  T.  Riven- 
bergh.  M.D..  G.  D.  Frisbie,  D.  A.  Reynolds. 

Members  since  Admitted :  George  Hill.  Manly 
Petchel,  George  L.  Fox,  R.  Whitney,  Emmet 
Pechtel,  Henrv  Shaver,  Marvin  Rivenbergh, 
Frank  Benn,  Charles  Beller,  B.  G.  Cornell,  Wm. 
Hotaling,  John  Miller,  C.  Winegar.  George  Burch- 
ard. James  Baker,  Frank  Bliss,  Christopher  Eff- 
ner,  Gordon  Dibble,  N.  Manning,  Jr.,  T.  Grant 
Ferguson. 

Steamer  Company  No.  i. 

Foreman.  Georc.e  W.  Cornell. 

First  Assistant,  George  Bassler. 


GRIPS  •   ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


Stcond  Assistant.  George  B.  HvnE. 

Sfcrelary,  Chakles  Simpkins. 

Treasurfr.  Cari.eton  Coknell. 

Finance  Commiltfe.  T.  W.  Neville,  Gkokuk  B. 
Hyi>e.  Charlks  Warner. 

Engineer.  S.  C.  West. 

First  Assistant  Engineer,  Georoe  Klock. 

Second  Assistant  Engineer.  T.  Waisun. 

Third  Assistant  Engineer.  William  Di  .smorl. 

Charter  members  .—J.  A.  Mc.Mlister.  John  H. 
Cornell.  Alonzf)  Almy.  W.  S.  Kreemyer.  George 
E.  Borst,  M.  Hazelton,  George  W.  Cornell,  George 
W.  Vroman,  A.  B.  Engle,  Charles  Williams,  P. 
I).  Stever.  R.  B  Marsellus.  A.  E.  Barney.  G.  W. 
Gage.  C.  Cornell.  K.  X.  Straiih.  I.  U  Hamilton, 
C.  <).  Uriggs,  Y.  A.  Sii'livan.  J.  'L  Engle.  T.  S. 
Watson.  E.  Bates.  C.  Warner.  William  Tomp- 
kins, II.  Durham.  D.  Wilson.  R  Wine^ar.  C.  R. 
Bouck,  n.  Spore.  M.  P.  Bouck,  G.  W  iJodge,  A. 
Erance,  J.  P.  Segner.  M.  Spore.  G.  B.  Hyde,  P. 
Brazee,  A.  Mallory,  R  U  Gordon.  H.  S.  Shaver, 
I.  Rockstroh,  George  Bassler.  P.  Martin,  S  Red- 
ick.  T.  Hill,  S.  C.  West,  William  Dunmore.  T.  W. 
Neville.  H.  Hermann,  L.  Mi-.Mlister,  S.  Hutch- 
ings,  J  V.  Patterson,  S.  M.  Simpkins,  William  J. 
Co«>ns.  W.  Ritkard. 

Memhcrs  since  admitted : — George  E.  Klock. 
William  Dual,  E.  Shinley,  J  W  Ritchie.  E.  Tomp- 
kins, G.  B.  Haines.  John  Reynolds,  F.  Ronev,  T. 
Head,  O.  Sornberger.  C.  Simpkins,  P.  W.  ban- 
forth,  G.  H.  Campbell.  E.  L  Shoemaker.  A  Mc- 
Bain,  C.  Van  Vorhis.  S  Haines.  G.  A.  Shoemaker. 
E.  KnilTen. 


Jerome  Badgley,  of  Ba<igley  i:  Wells,  drug, 
gists,  is  one  of  the  promoters  of  the  Cooix-rslown, 
Middleburgh  &  Catskill  railroad,  and  is  an  incor- 
porator in  the  Middleburgh  Water  company.     He 

is  liirector  of  the 
First  National  Bank 
and  one  of  the  stock- 
holders in  the  Miil- 
dleburgh  railroad. 
He  was  born  in  Dii- 
anesbiirgh.  Schen- 
ectady counlv,  .-Vpril 
1 1.  1S35  His  father 
was  for  years  a  mer- 
chant and  the  post- 
master at  Schoharie. 
He  began  business 
life  wi;h  hi>  father 
In  iS()S-i)  he  was  1:. 
partnership  with  II; 
ram  Howard  in  the  drug  business  at  Micdleburgli 
In  18S7.  his  son.  Claud  .M..  and  Prank  A.  WelN 
were  admitted  to  an  interest  in  the  business.  Tli' 
former  is  now  with  the  Douw  H.  Fonda  Dnu; 
company  at  Albany,  and  the  tirni  is  now  Badglt  n 
&  Wells,  Mr.  Badgley  is  trustee  of  the  l.uther.i 
church  and  an  active  republican.  (In  September 
7,  iS()s,  he  married  Miss  .Marv  C.  the  daughter  of 
Nathaniel  Manning.  They  have  had  two  child- 
ren, one  deceased. 


James  Borst,  a  promoter  and  director  of  the 
new  Midillebiirgh  Water  company  has  always 
Ijeen  foremost  and  personally  active  in  every  en- 
terprise and  improvement  which  benefits  the  vil- 
lage. For  six  \ears  he  was  a  member  of  the 
board  of  trustees.  He  was  railroad  commissioner 
and  while  occupying  that  position  had  the  plea.s. 
urc  •  .■  the  last  lionds  of  the  town,  amount- 

ing; end  interest.     He  was  iKirn  in  Cen- 

tial  ■•iiMv,,.  .^t  ptemtwr  10.  iS4o.  His  father  was 
a  miller  at  that  place  and  afterwarils  at  Mi<ldle- 
burgh.     Thf  H.irsts  are  among  tin-  most  ii.,rjilili- 


of  the  early  families  in  the  county.  In  1S76  Mr. 
Borst  started  the  meat  business  which  has  been 
built  up  to  one  of  the  largest  meat  and  provision 
markets  in  the  county.  Branching  out  as  he  did 
in  other  enterprises  and  devoting  considerable 
lime  in  buying  ho])s.  he  (six  years  ago)  accepted 
as  partner  Julius  Rock>troh.  a  practical  German 
butcher.  >lr.  Borst  is  a  member  of  the  Ma.sonic 
order.  Twenty  years  ago  he  married  Emma,  the 
daughter  of  Mortimer  Cook. 

The  Water  Supply  of  the  village  is  obtained 
from  a  stream  of  spring  water  high  in  the  Helle- 
l)erg  mountains.  A  reservoir  with  a  capacity  of 
many  thousand  gallons  will  serve  as  a  reserve 
supply  in  dry  weather.  On  theitjth  day  of  October. 
iS/)4,  Messrs.  J.  C.  Borst  and  Frank  X.  Slraub 
lowered  the  first  length  of  water  pii>e  into  the 
trench  prepared  for  it  in  Main  street.  The  Mid- 
dleburgh Water  Company  is  organized  by  enter- 
prising local  business  men.  with  whom  are  asso- 
ciated the  projectors  and  largest  stockholders,  J. 
Warne  and  F.  C.  I-anib  of  Cooperstown.  It  is 
capitalized  at  $25,000.  On  the  20th  day  of  Octo- 
ber. iSi>4.  the  articles  of  incorporation  were  tiled 
with  the  Secretary  of  State,  and  wjirk  was  at  once 
begun,  the  surveys  having  previously  been  made 
at  private  e.xjicnse.  The  present  capacity  is  one 
and  a  half  million  gallons  [ler  diem.  This  can  be 
largely  increased.  The  village  board  promptly 
made  a  contract  with  the  company  for  not  less 
than  twenty-eight  hy<lrants  at  §25  a  hydrant  i>er 
year  with  a  public  fountain  and  water  for  street 
s])rinkling  to  be  supplied  free  of  cost  to  the  vil- 
lage. The  contract  runs  for  five  years,  at  the 
expiratiim  of  which  the  village  has  a  purchaser's 
option  for  $25,00(5.  The  officers  and  directors  are 
Alex  H.  Clark.  Fly  Creek,  president;  J.  Warne 
Lamb,  Cooperstown,  vice-president  and  secretary; 
F.  C.  Lamb  and  Charles  H.  Kaine  of  Coopers- 
town. and  J.  E.  Young.  James  C.  Borst  and 
Jerome  B.  Badgley  of  .Middleburgh,  directors. 

John  Rossman,  MD. ,  a  leading  physician  of 
the  county,  was  bdrn  in  Fulton,  Schoharie  county, 
March  S.  1S47.  He  sludie<l  me<Iicine  with  Dr.  J. 
I>.  Wheeler  in  Middleburgh  in  1865,  and  after  grad- 
uating in  1 865 
from  the  Phila- 
ilelphia  I'niver- 
sitv  of  Medicine 
and  Surgery 
practiced  with 
iiini  one  year, 
since  then  con- 
tinuing alone 
•  -fully.  For 
vears  he 
....^  '-^^upied  the 
positionof  health 
officer  of  the 
town  and  is  a 
member  of  the 
Meilical  society  of  Schoharie  county.  He  is  an 
active  democrat  and  the  secretary  of  the  board  of 

fiension  examiners  for  Schoharie  county,  appointed 
)V  President  Clevelaiul.  He  is  a  menilivr  of  the 
Miiiiileburgh  Lmlge  F.  and  A.  M  No.  Ohj.  J.ihn  L, 
Lewis  Chapter  No.  229  F.  and  A  M..  St  tieorgcs 
Cominandery  No.  37  F.  and  A.  M.,  the  Middleburgh 
Encampment  No.  121).  and  La  Bastile  Lo<lge  I.  O. 


O.  F 


mpm 
No. 


494.      He  is  district  deputy  grand  mas- 


ter and  district  dejiutv  grand  patriarch  of  the 
Schoharie  district  1.  O.  <).  F.  His  tirst  wife. 
Mary,  the  daughter  of  Cornelius  Bouck,  died  in 
1-76.      He  married  his  present  wile,  Eliza1>eth  B. 


GRIPS"  ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


The  Clerks — Reference  has  been  made  to  them 
in  another  paragraph.  The  clerk  is  the  business 
man  of  the  future.  In  Middleburgh  we  find  at 
W.  E.  Bassler  &  Co.'s  behind  the  counter  courte- 
ous and  active,  fully  attendant  on  his  duties, 
How.vKD  Bkst.  of  Fulton,  who  has  probably  been 
there  two  years.  At  Sullivan  &  Haynes  is  Arthur 
Mc  Bain,  a  faithful  clerk  about  five  years;  at  En- 
gle  Bros.,  Frank  Ben.n",  who  is  popular  and  has 
about  four  or  five  years'  experience,  and  Henry 
WiLiiiK,  who  is  prompt  and  pleasant.  At  the 
White  House,  Jerome  Hagadorn  is  in  charge,  a 
genial,  attentive  gentleman.  At  G.  W.  Vroman's 
there  are  T.  B.  Vkoman  and  Chris.  M.  Ek.nek,  the 
former  there  for  four  or  five  years  and  the  latter 
for  two  years.  Both  are  popular  and  faithful.  At 
Alonzo  Almy's  there  is  Ralph  Brazee,  who  began 
a  year  or  so'ago  and  who  is  agreeable  and  oblig- 
ing to  all.  At  D.  D.  &  G.  D.  Frisbie's  there  are 
Messrs.  Chester  Vroman.oI  Fulton,  and  Charles 
Maitue,  of  Blenheim,  both  popular  and  obliging 
young  men.  The  former  has  been  there  about 
four  years  and  the  latter  two  years.  At  West  & 
Taylor'sis Charles  Dcnmore,  who  attends  strictly 
and  faithfully  to  his  business.  At  John  Cornell  & 
Co.'s  are  John  Miller  and  George  Burchard. 
The  former  has  been  there  about  eight  years  and 
the  latter  about  three  years.  Both  are  widely 
known  and  well  liked. 


■Willard  T.  Rivenbergh,  M.D.,  ^  young  physi- 
cian, enjoys  a  large  practice  and  a  reputable 
place  in  the  profession.  He  has  served  as  presi- 
dent  and    vice-president   in    the   Medical  society 

of  Schohari  e 
County  and  is 
now  medical 
examiner  for 
several  well 
known  insur- 
ance  companies, 
chief  of  which 
are  the  Mutual 
Life  of  New 
York,  the  North- 
western and  the 
United  States 
Accident.  The 
doctor's  ances- 
try are  revolu- 
tionary stock.  His  wife  vyho  was  Miss  Belle  Stan- 
ton, is  a  descendant  of  notable  early  pioneers, 
among  whom  was  the  illustrious  General  Dana, 
who  was  immortalized  in  general  orders  by 
General  Washington  immediately  following  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill.  Dr.  Rivenbergh's  mother 
was  a  Pultz.  who  was  related  to  Walter  Gunn  and 
wife,  distinguished  Lutheran  missionaries  in  In- 
dia. The  doctor  was  educated  at  the  Boys'  Acad- 
emy, Troy,  the  South  Berkshire  Institute,  Mass- 
achusetts, and  the  University  of  Buffalo,  where 
he  took  the  M.  D.  degree,  graduating  in  1SS5. 
He  was  president  of  the  Alpha  Omega  Delta  so- 
ciety, and  his  sheepskin  bears  his  own  official  sig- 
nature as  such.  He  was  married  at  Middleburgh, 
October  14,  iSiji.  His  wife  is  a  graduate  of  the 
Albany  Female  Academy. 

Bates  &  Zeh  is  an  important  cigar  manufactur- 
ing firm  of  Middleburgh.  They  succeeded  the 
firm  of  Dillinger  &  Bates  which  was  organized 
March  i,  1891,  by  L.  O.  J.  Dillinger  and  E.  Bates. 
The  business  was  continued  by  them  until  Decem- 
ber 15,  1S93,  when  E.  Bates  purchased  the  inter- 
est of  Mr.  Dillinger  and  sold  the  same  to  George 
E.  Zeh  and  the  firm  has  since  continued  business 


under  the  firm  name  of  Bates  &  Zeh.  The  firm 
produced  250,000  cigars  the  first  year,  and  their  pro- 
ducthas  steadily  increased  up  to  the  present  time. 

George  L.  Fox,  editor  of  the  Middleburgh  News. 
was  born  in  Middleburgh,  N.  Y.,  April  3,  1871.  In 
18SS  he  began  the  publication  of  The  American 
Youth,   in  Middleburgh,   a  monthly   story  paper 

with  a  circula- 
tion in  every 
state  in  the 
union,  and  in 
1S89  sold  it  to 
a  good  advan- 
tage to  a  pub- 
lishing house  in 
Boston.  He 
subsequently 
purchased  the 
South  Orange, 
A\  J. ,  Journal 
and  moved  it  to 
Middleburgh, 
where  he  asso- 
ciated hini^L-lf  with  Wellington  E.  Bassler,  a 
prominent  business  man  and  republican,  in  the 
publication  of  the  Middleburgli  News,  a  weekly 
republican  paper.  The  field  was  small  and  the 
venture  unpromising,  but  with  energy  and  perse- 
verance the  publication  has  been  pushed  into  the 
front  rank  of  republican  weekly  papers,  where  it 
has  proven  successful.  It  is  now  one  of  the  lead- 
ing papers  of  the  county.  Its  circulation  has 
grown  rapidly.  It  is  foremost  in  agitating  local 
improvements.  The  plant  has  been  enlarged  and 
is  now  fuUv  equipped  for  first  class  newspaper  and 
job  work.  '  Mr.  Fox  is  a  member  of  Middleburgh 
Lodge  No.  663,  F.  and  A.  M.,  a  member  and  re- 
cording secretary  of  La  Bastile  Lodge  No.  494, 
I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  Chief  of  Records  of  Oucongena 
Tribe,  I.  O.  R.  M. 

Tlie  Middleburgh  Lodge  F.  and  A.  M.,  No. 
663,  was  chartered  June  6,  1S6S.  To  day  it  has 
forty-seven  members  in  good  standing  and  a  well 
provided  treasury.  It  was  the  first  lodge  in  the 
nth  Masonic  district  to  pay  its  pro  rata  assess- 
ment to  the  Masonic  Hall  and  Asylum  fund.  The 
amount  was  S647 ;  the  date  of  payment  December 
31,  1S87.  The  meetings  of  the  lodge  are  on  the 
second  and  fourth  Friday  in  every  month,  in  the 
Neville  building.  The 'officers'  Dow  Beekman, 
W.  M.  ;  Emmet  Vroman,  S.  W.  ;  George  B. 
Haynes,  J.  W.  ;  J.  Schuyler  Vroman,  treasurer; 
G.  S.  Atchinson,  secretary;  W.  T.  Rivenbergh, 
S.  D. ;  George  S.  Hill,  J.  D.  ;  C.  L.  Haines, 
F.  M.  C.  ;  Wm.  Loucks.  6.  M.  C.  ;  Rev.  C.  W. 
Pitcher,  Chaplain ;  Chas.  Reeves,  Tyler. 

"Wellington  E.  Bassler  is  the  son  of  David 
Bassler  who  for  fifteen  years  conducted  a  store  in 
Huntersland  and  in  1S69  bought  the  Luther  Vro- 
man   store   in   Middleburgh.     Here  the  business 

has  since  contin- 
ued, the  son  tak- 
ing a  half  inter- 
est in  1S71,  and 
the  father  retir- 
ing in  favor  of 
John  H.  Cornell 
in  April,  1S75. 
The  latter  with- 
drew January  1, 
18S0,  and  in  i'887 
C.  L  McBain  and 
GeorgeB.  Wheel- 
er became  the 
campany  in  the 
firm    of    W.    E. 


12 


•  GRIPS  •   ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


Bassler  &  Co.  Mr.  David  Ba&sler  died  September 
13.  i8g3.  Mr.  Wellinjfton  Bassler  was  born  in 
Huntersland.  He  graduated  from  Starkey  sem 
inary  in  June  iS(kj.  He  was  chosen  alumni  trus- 
tee in  1S7;  and  president  in  1871  still  holding  both 
positions.  He  was  trustee  of  the  Middleburgh 
academy  si.\  years  and  four  years  its  president ;  in 
1S74  chosen  superintendent  of  the  Refornied 
church  Sunday  school  which  he  still  holds  and  m 
1882-S  secretary  of  the  Schoharie  county  Sunday 
school  association.  He  has  been  its  presiiicn; 
since  18S8.  On  January  i.  iScjo.  he  was  associate! 
with  Mr.  Fox  in  founding  the  MiJJleburf^h  Sews 
He  is  director  of  the  First  National  bank,  also  tlu 
Middleburgh  &  Schoharie  railroad.  He  has  serve! 
as  secretary  and  is  the  chairman  of  the  republican 
county  committee.  He  owns  valuable  farmin.^; 
stock  and  is  a  practical  farmer.  In  1874  he  mai - 
ried  Miss  Alida.  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Manning 
This  fall  Mr.  Bassler  was  republican  candidate 
for  assembly  and  in  a  county  with  a  normal  ma- 
jority of  from  1,200  to  1,500  democratic  he  was  de- 
feated by  only  8y  votes.  This  is  as  near  an  elect- 
ion as  any  republican  candidate  for  assembly  has 
ever  come  in  Schoharie  county. 

La  Bastile  Lodge  of  Middleburgh,  I.  O.  O.  F., 

No.  4i)4.  was  instituted  February  13  .  iss2.  It  meets 
every  .Monday  in  the  Fredericks  building.  There 
are  about  100  members  in  good  standing.  Theotli- 
cers:  C.  E.  White,  N.  G.;  ICrskine  Kniffen,  V.  (i.; 
George  L.  Fox,  Recording  Secretary ;  Charles 
Snyder.  Financial  Secretary;  George  Bassler, 
Treasurer;  Wm.  H.  Neville,  Chaplain;  Geo.  \V. 
Vroman,  R.  S.  N.  G. ;  Jas.  Coons.  L.  S,  N.  G. ; 
C.  Van  Vol  is,  R.  S.  V.  G. ;  S.  Haines,  L.  S.  V.  G. ; 
Wm.  Bellinger,  F.  G. 

Jacob  Vroman  owns  one  of  the  best  upland 
farms  in  the  vicinity  of  Mid<lleburgh.  He  is  an 
industrious,  successful  farmer  and  a  man  who  has 
made  money  raising  hops.  His  acres  overspread 
the  north  side  of  the  Mohegonter  mountain,  the 
summit  of  which  is  less  than  a  mile  to  the  south. 
The  view  from  I'romiDi's  is  wonderful.  The 
whole  Schoharie  Valley  with  Middleburgh  three 
miles  north  in  the  foreground  is  in  sight,  and 
looking  further  north  are  the  Maylield  mountains. 


Dow  Beekman  is  recognized  as  a  conservative, 
sound  and  successful  attorney  who  has  built  up  a 
large  practice  through  the  county.  His  father, 
Duryea    Beekman,    and    his    mother,    Elizabeth 

Richtmyer.  de- 
scended from 
revolution- 
ary  stock.  He 
was  born  at  Mid. 
dleburgh,  Feb- 
ruary 8.  I S62. 
He  graduated 
I    ^^^^       1  from  Union  c-ol- 

t^fft^^  lege  in  I S84  and 

^F^^^^  fo'    l**°     years 

\^^^^^  ^'•'^^  professor  of 

^^^^^         X^  mathematics  at 

■^^  the  I'nion  Clas- 

sical Institute, 
Schenectady,  at 
the  same  time 
studying  law 
with  Judge  Samuel  W.  Jackson  of  that  city.  He 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  Saratoga  in  iSSb. 
The  following  vear  he  entered  into  partnership 
with  William  fe.  Thome  at  Middleljurgh  Mr. 
Beekman  is  active  in  local  democratic  jxilitics.  and 
is  thoroughly  devoted  to  his  party.  In  i8!-i(he  was 
elected  district  attorney  running  largely  ahead  of 
his  ticket.  He  served  ably  and  proficiently,  pros- 
ecuting vigorously  yet  with  such  careful  and  in- 
telligent attention  to  the  legal  merits  involved, 
that  in  no  case  was  an  indictment  drawn  by  him 
set  aside  or  quashed.  He  has  rendered  valuable 
servic-e  as  a  campaign  speaker  sini?e  the  time  of 
the  Cleveland  campaign  of  ijS4.  ser\-ing  under 
the  direction  of  the  state  committee  in  1SS8,  and 
his  work  drawing  from  the  press  and  state  com- 
mittee deserved  compliments.  He  is  W.  Master  of 
the  Middleburgh  Lodge,  No.  663,  F.  &•  A.  M.,and  is 
past  sachem  of  Oncongena  Tribe,  No.  140,  I.  O. 
R.  M.;  also  an  Odd  Fellow.  He  is  a  director  of 
the  Middleburgh  &  Schoharie  railroad.  He  mar- 
ried Laura,  the  daughter  nf  G  N.  Frisliee  of 
Middleburgh,  June  9,  1S91.  They  have  one  child, 
Marjorie  Elizabeth, 


TilF.  Mii>i>i  >:  .S<- m  HI  *  K I F.  Four  •<*  17S0. 
[A  Sketch  from  iln>winK<  iift«r  BUihentk'  data  by  Kufus  A.  Under.  Canajoharie,  S    Y. 


GRIP'S  ■■   ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


13 


The  Middleburgh  Encampment  No.  129,  I.  O. 
O.F.  was  instituted  February  24,1892,  and  has  aboiit 
seventy  members.  It  meets  in  the  Fredericks 
building  the  first  and  third  Friday  in  the  month. 
The  oilicers:  C.  E.  White,  C.  P.;  Wm.  Dunmore, 
H.  P. ;  Chas.  Snvder,  S.  W.;  F.  A.  Sullivan,  J.  W;  ; 
J.  K.  Alversoii,  Scribe:  Dr.  John  Rossman, 
Treasurer;  James  Coons,  I.  S. ;  F.  W.  Fox,  istW.; 
Carlton  Cornwell,  2d  W. ;  C.  Van  Voris,  3d  W. ; 
A.  Richtmyer,  4th  W. 

Daniel  D.  Frisbie,  the  editor  of  the  Schohari 
Republican,  was  born  in  Middleburgh  Novembe 
30,  1S59.     His  ancestors  were  New  England  set- 
tlers, one  of  them  an  officer  in  the  revolution.    He 

completed  a  col- 
legiate course  at 
Ilartwick  in  1S76 
and  entered  the 
store  of  Earls  & 
Frisbie  as  clerk 
April  I  the  same 
year.  Five  years 
later  he  was  tne 
junior  member  of 
the  firm  of  Frisbie 
&  Son.  On  April 
I.  1 89 1,  he  became 
the  head  of  the 
firm  of  D.  D.  & 
G.  D.  Frisbie,  a 
leading  nicixaiiUlL  Imuse  in  the  county.  In  1890 
he  acquired  a  half  interest  in  one  of  the  finest  hop 
farms  in  the  town  and  is  a  member  of  the  Hop 
Growers  association.'  He  was  the  president  of  the 
local  democratic  campaign  clul)  in  18S2;  also  m 
1884.  He  was  member  and  treasurer  of  the  county 
committee  in  1886-'-.  On  August  8,  1SS7,  he  pur- 
chased the  Schoharie  Republican  and  re-estab- 
lished that  paper  on  a  paying  basis.  He  has  been 
delegate  to  various  county  and  state  conventions. 
He  is  treasurer  of  the  Middleburgh  academy  and 
a  member  of  the  orders  of  Masons  and  Red  Men. 
He  is  secretary  of  the  Middleburgh  and  Schoharie 
railroad.  He  "is  interested  in  local  enterprises  and 
prominent  in  the  afi'airs  of  the  town. 


ers,  who  constitute  the  firm,  are  Jacob  L.  and  An- 
drew B.,  born  September  23,  i84Sand  December  11, 
1S62,  respectively.  Jacob,  at  fifteenyearsof  age  was 
clerk  with  Jacob  Neville  one  of  the  most  success- 
ful merchants  of  the  county.  At  twenty-six  years 
of  age  he  became  a  partner.  In  iSSo  the  business 
was  moved  from  the  dock  into  the  present  quar- 
ters, the  Neville  building.  In  1885  Andrew  was 
taken  in  as  a  partner  and  for  five  years  the  firm  did 
business  under  the  name  of  Neville.  Engle  &-  Co. 


Engle. 


Engle  Brothers  have  demonstrated  that  a  large 
general  mercantile  establishment  can  be  success- 
fully conducted  on  strictly  a  cash  basis.  During 
the  four  years  they  have  been  exclusively  partners 
in  the  business  it  has  taken  rapid  strides.  The  broth- 


.-\.    1;.    1:  ..,l.L. 

The  former  then  retired.  The  business  was  at 
once  changed  from  the  credit  to  the  cash  basis  and 
has  since  steadily  grown  in  importance.  The 
second  floor  was  opened  for  a  bargain  department 
and  an  entirely  new  stock  of  dry  goods  and  gen- 
eral merchandise  was  put  in.  The  store  has  since 
been  fitted  with  a  cash  carrier  system  on  both 
floors  converging  to  a  cashier's  desk.  It  is  one 
of  the  two  stores  in  the  county  using  the  cash  carrier 
system. 

Kelse>-,  Vroman  &  Co.,  Middle- 
burgh, N.  Y. 

A  Lari;e  Clothing  and  Gentlemen's  Furmshinc 
Goods  House. 

This  firm  was  established  Aprili,  iSgi,  and  suc- 
ceeded Dodge  &  France.  The  members  of  the  firm 
are  Joshua  T.  Kelsey,  E.  W.  Vroman  and  Charles 
E.  White.  They  are  young  men,  born  and  rearsd  in 
the  town  in  which  they  are  engaged  in  business, 
thoroughly  experienced  in  their  line  of  trade,  and 
fully  acquainted  with  the  wants  of  the  large  agricul. 
tural  section  from  which  they  draw  their  patronage. 
Each  member  of  the  firm  was  engaged  in  the  mer- 
cantile business  for  a  considerable  time  prior  to 
their  present  organization.  Mr.  Kelsey  was  with 
Dodge  &-  France  fifteen  years;  Mr,  Vroman  was 
with  Frisbie  &  Son  from  1S80  to  1891,  and  Mr. 
White  had  served  some  years  in  the  clothing 
business.  He  is  a  graduate  of  the  Albany  Busi- 
ness College.  Each  one  is  personally  identified 
with  the  local  lodges  and  are  active  in  the  social 
life  of  the  village.  Messrs.  White  and  Vroman 
are  Odd  Fellows  and  the  latter  is  also  a  Mason. 
Mr.  Kelsey  is  a  member  of  the  local  Order  of  Red 
Men.  Their  store  is  the  largest  exclusive  cloth- 
ing and  furnishing  goods  store  in  the  county.  It 
occupies  the  main  floors  of  the  Dodge  building  on 
Main  street.  In  connection  therewith  they  carry 
an  extensive  line  of  boots  and  shoes,  rubbers  and 
arctics.  All  the  departments  of  the  large  Albany 
stores  are  represented  in  this  establishment  with 
the  advantages  of  lower  rents  and  considerably 
lighter  expenses  all  around. 


>4 


CRIPS'    II.I.rSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


William  H.  Albro,  a  successful  lawyer  ami 
business  man.  was  born  in  Hunterslaml,  Schoharie 
county,  September  6,  1S40.  He  was  educated  in 
riiari. III. villi-  ..inilnarv  I'l.rt  Kdward  Collegi- 
ate institute  and 
L'nion  tolleKe. 
In  iS(p4-5  he  read 
law  with  W  H. 
Knv;le,  at  Mid- 
dlebur^^h.andon 
Dec.  S,  1805, 
was  admitted  to 
the  bar  at  Al- 
bany. He  prac- 
ticed law  with 
Mr.  Kngle  until 
Tebruary,  1874. 
since  which  lime 
he  has  been 
alone.  lie  has 
one  of  the  best'and  most  complete  libraries  in  the 
state.  In  politics  he  is  independent,  a  republican 
up  to  i8?o.  He  served  one  term,  1S7J,  as  school 
commissioner  of  the  first  district,  showing  ability 
and  accuracy  in  the  preparation  of  his  |>apers. 
lie  wa-s  the  first  president  of  the  board  of  eouca- 
tion  of  the  L'nion  Free  schwil  of  Middleburgh, 
which  had  charge  of  the  purchiuse  of  the  present 

i)ro])eitv  and  the  construction  of  the  new  building. 
le  has  been  a  trustee  in  the  M.  K  church  fifteen 
years.  ( )n  October  31,  iSo;,  he  married  ICIizabeth, 
the  daughter  of  Daniel  D.  Dodge.  She  died  Feb- 
ruary S,  1S92.  They  lost  two  boys,  Willie,  April 
14,  1872,  and  Arthur,  November  sS,  1893.  Grace 
remains  to  brighten  her  father's  home.  When 
Arthur  died  he  left  a  paying  drug  business  which 
Mr.  Albro  conducts  as  administrator. 


St.  Marks  Evangelical  Lutheran  church  was 
founded  May  17,  1824.  Rev.  George  A-  Lintner 
A.  M..  was  the  first  pastor.  The  church  was  dedi- 
cated October  30,  1S24,  by  Dr,  Lintner,  assisted 
by  Dr.  E.  L.  Haselins  and  Rev.  J.  P.  Goertner. 
It  had  about  fifty  members  Dr.  Lintner  at  that 
time  preached  at  Middleburgh,  Schoharie,  Coble- 
skill  and  Brcakabeen.  Eventually  Middleburgh 
became  a  separate  charge  and  Dr.  Lintnercontin- 
ued  an  active  and  earnest  pastorate  there  until 
1843.  The  succeeding  pastors  were:  Rev  James 
Lerter,  1843-5;  Rev.  Adam  Crounse,  1845-S;  Rev. 
Levi  Sternliergh.  184S-50:  Rev.  N.  H.  Cornell, 
1S50-3:  Rev.  John  D.  English,  i.'>54-8;  Rev.  Adam 
Martin,  |S(»>-^;  Rev.  David  Swfipe,  iS(i?-<);  Rev. 
C.  S.  Spraker,  1871-3:  Rev.  C-  P.  Whittaker, 
1873-5;  Rev.  J  S  Harkey,  iS7(>-84  (the  church 
was  without  a  pastor  from  August,  l87.'^,  until  the 
following  March,  also  from  Novcmtx-r,  18S4,  until 
May,  1 885);  Rev.  J.  A.  Flickinger,  1SS5-8:  another 
period  without  a  pastor  elapsed  until  Rev.  Edgar 
O.  Miller  took  charge,  the  date  of  which  cannot 
be  obtained.      He  resigned  April  i,  1892. 

TiiK  Rk.v.  Fkank  Wni.KoRi).  the  present  pastor, 
took  charge  August  i,  1892.  He  was  edu- 
cated at  Hart  wick  seminary  and  he  is  now  in  his 
first  ordaine<i  pastorate.  The  first  church  builil- 
ing  burned  April  1,  iSt.?.  The  present  edifice,  a 
a  brick  building,  situated  in  a  pleasant  plot  on 
Main  street  was  dedicated  October  4,  iS-o.  The 
old  parsonage  was  burned  March  19.  187a.  The 
present  parsonage  was  built  in  i.''74.  The  otVicers 
are:  Eidkk- — Nathaniel  Manning.  P.  S.  Haines, 
H.  M.  Marselus.  t;  N.  Frisbic.  Dkaiuns,  Dr.C. 
S.  Best,  Seneca  Haines,  Alliert  Rickard.  H  F. 
Lewis,  D.  D  Frisbie,  S.  \V.  Houck.  Emmett 
Haines,  Joseph  Horst  Tm  siKHs — \V.  H.  Haines, 
Dr.  \V.  T.  Rivcnbergh.  J.  11.  Ha.lgley. 


The  Hethodist  Episcopal  Church  —  The  first 
McthcKlist  society  in  Middleburgh  was  organized 
about  seventy  years  ago.  Its  founders  were  Har- 
vey Wal.son.  Ebcnerer  McMullen,  Adonijah  Kirk- 
ham,  Noah  Dudley.  Anthony  Engle  and  others. 
The  first  Sabbath  schofjl  connected  with  this 
society  was  organized  in  May,  1829.  During  the 
early  history  of  this  society  their  religious  meet- 
ings were  held  in  a  barn  on  the  site  of  the  present 
new  church;  afterwards  in  the  upper  district 
school  house.  In  the  year  1834  the  original 
church  was  built  and  located  in  the  upper  part  of 
the  village,  opposite  the  residence  of  the  late  Dr. 
James  Lawyer,  This  siruciure  was  a  plain  woiKlen 
building  40  .\  60  feet  without  steeple  or  bell,  and  it 
served  the  purpo.-e  fir  which  it  was  built  for  fortv 
years.  In  1S74  ihe  present  large,  handsome  brick 
edifice  wxs  erected  on  the  corner  of  Main  ami 
Clauverwy  streets  al  a  cost  of  S2?,'xx).  The  elec- 
tion of  the  first  trustees  was  September  24    1832. 


The  (Iced  lit  the  tir-t  cluirch  lot  purchased  from 
John  \V.  Houck  is  dated  January  28,  1833.  The 
record  of  past<irs  is  John  Haslam  and  John 
Dennison,  1S32;  William  Ames,  1S33;  Jas.  R. 
Goodrich.  1S34:  RoswcU  Kelley  and  Heiiry  Wil- 
liams. 1J35;  Roswell  Kelley  and  Henry  Burton, 
iStd;  Henry  Coleman  and  Peter  W.  Smit)i.  1S37-S; 
Henry  Williams,  V,(lentine  Brown  and  Joseph 
Crounse.  1839:  Hiram  Ch.tsc.  1840-41  ;  David  Poor, 
and  Isaac  Devoe.  1^42;  David  P<Kir  and  Cha.s. 
Gill)ert,  1S43:  Amos  Oslxtrne,  1844;  Manlv  With- 
erill,  1S45-6;  Chas  E  Giddings,  1S47-8;  John  W. 
Belknap.  i84i)-!;o:  Chas.  Devoe,  1851-2;  Bishop 
Isbell,  1S53-4:  j.  D.  Burnham,  1855-6;  Scelcv  \\  . 
Brown,  1S57-S;  John  Pegg.  i859-(«);  Wm.  Clark, 
iS(ii-2;  Horace  L.  Grant.  18(13-4;  Jeremiah  .S. 
Hart.  18(15-7;  Aaron  D.  Ileaxt,  18(18-9;  James 
B.  WchkI,  1870-1  ;  John  A.  Savage.  i.'>72-74;  Syl- 
vester W.  Clemens,  1S7?;  Chas  F.  Noble,  1876-^7; 
J.  A  Atwcll,  1S78  80;  "B.  F.  Livingston,  1881-3: 
1.  .M.  Webster,  1SS4-5;  G.  C.  Morehouse,  1886-90; 
W.  L.  Smith,  1891-2. 

Rkv.  C.  EowARiis.  the  present  pa-^tor,  who 
assumed  charge  in  1893,  was  l>orn  in  Green- 
wich. Washington  county.  N.  Y.,  Oclolwr  19, 
1842.  He  was  educated  at  Fort  Edward  insti- 
tute and  joined  the  Troy  conferenc-e  in  187(1.  He 
was  ordained  in  187S.  He  has  preached  at  Shu- 
shan   and    W.    Arlington,    Vt  .    Whitehall,     East 


GRIP'S"  ILLUSTRATED  SOUVENIR. 


IS 


Whitehall,  West  Hebron,  Belcher,  Sandy  Hill 
and  Livingston's  church,  Troy.  The  present 
Trl-stees:  W.  H.  Albro,  G.  S.  Lynes,  G.B.Wheeler. 
Class  Leaders:  G.  W.  Vroman,  G.  B.  Wheeler, 
Harvey  Borst,  Smith  Requa,  E.  F.  Tibbits,  Alonzo 
Zimmer,  Geo.  E,  Haines,  Noah  D.  West,  Andrew 
Lawyer.  Stewauus:  A.  B.  Engle,  W.  C.  West, 
C.  L.  McBain,  Joel  Barber,  J.  T.  Kelsey,  Joseph 
Becker,  J.  F.  White,  R.  S.  Keyser,  E.  Bates. 
Sunday  Schohi.  Officers:  Superintendent,  W.  A. 
Requa;  assistant  superintendent,  G.  B.  Wheeler; 
secretary,  J.  C.  Miller;  treasurer,  E.  W.  Vroman; 
superintendent  primary  department.  Miss  Mabel 
Pierson. 

THE    EPWORTH    LEAGUE 

was  organized  Jannary,  iSgi,  and  has  150  mem- 
bers. The  officers:  President,  G.  B.  Wheeler; 
ist  vice-president,  W.  A.  Requa;  2d  vice-presi- 
dent, Mrs.  A.  Crippen;  3d  vice-president,  Miss 
Grace  Becker;  4th  vice-president.  Miss  Grace 
Albro;  secretary,  Miss  Alice  M.  Requa;  treasurer, 
Mrs.  H.  B.  Snyder. 


The  Reformed  Dutch  Church  is  probably  the 
oldest  society  worshipping  in  the  oldest  building 
in  this  part  of  the  state  outside  of  possibly 
Albany  and  Schenectady.  The  building  was  con- 
structed in  17S6,  and  to  day  its  walls  are  in  a  per- 
fect state  of  preservation,  kept  freshly  painted 
and  in  good  order.  The  funds  were  raised  by 
committees  sent  through  the  colonies  making  col- 
lections. The  first  sermon  preached  in  the  edifice 
was  by  George  W.  Schneider  on  November  18, 
1787.  The  church  building  stands  in  a  maple  shaded 
plot.near  the  river  shore.    The  tower  and  spire  are 


at  the  north  end,  towards  the  street.  The  entrance 
is  at  the  south  end,  probably  to  secure  better  pro- 
tection from  the  winds.  The  society  observed 
its  centennial  anniversary  August  ig,  1S86,  and  at 
that  time  the  Hon.  George  L.  Danforth  delivered 
a  carefully  and  ably  prepared  address  which  has 
since  been  printed.  It  includes  probably  all  known 
records.  From  this  most  interesting  sketch  we 
take  a  few  facts.  The  earliest  record  of  the 
organization  as  such  which  he  finds  is  1730,  though 
he  concludes  that  1 72S  is  nearer  the  exact  year. 
The  first  record  of  the  meeting  house  is  in  1753. 
Prior  to  that  time  the  congregation  probably  wor- 
shipped in  private  dwellings,  or  perhaps  in  the 
school  house  or  a  barn.  There  was  no  other 
church  building  until  the  Lutheran  church  was 
built  in  1824.  The  first  Reformed  church  was  a 
frame  building,  which  he  believes  was  erected  in 
1732.  Roscoe  finds  a  record  of  its  dedication  on 
December  18,  1737.  It  was  burned  with  the  rest 
of  the  village  by  Johnson  and  Brant  October  17, 
17S0.  The  first  bell  w^as  suspended  in  1803.  It 
weighed  704  pounds  and  was  cast  by  Julius 
Hanks  in  Troy.  The  present 
bell,  weighing  11 74  pounds,  cast 
Viy  Meneeley,  of  Troy,  was 
suspended  in  1875.  The  first 
preacher  in  the  settlement  was 
Hendrick  Hager,  1713.  The  suc- 
ceeding pastors  were:  Fred 
iiager,  1720;  John  Jacob  Ehle, 
1730;  Reinhardt  Erickson,  1732; 
Michael  Weiss,  1732-6;  Johan- 
nes Schuyler,  1736-55;  John 
Mauritius  Goetschius,  1757-60; 
.A  brain  Rosekrantz,  1760-5; 
Johannes  Schuyler,  1766-79; 
assisted  by  Rynier  Van  Nest, 
who  was  pastor  17S0-5;  George 
W.   Schneider,    17S5-S;  Rev.  J. 

C.  Boeffel,  17S8-97;  Rynier  Van 
Nest,  1797-1804;  Uavid  Devoe, 
1812-15 ;  JohnT.  Schermerhorn, 
1816-27;  John  Garretson,  1827- 
33;  John  B.  Steele,  1S34-38; 
Joshua  Boyd,  1840-2;  L.  Mes- 
serreau,  1842-5;  Jacob  West, 
1846-52;  I.  M.  See,  1852-4;  E. 
Vedder,  1855-63  ;  Wm.  E.  Bogar- 
dus,    1863-4;     John    S.     Scott, 

D.  D.,  1865-70;  Sanford  W. 
Roe,  D.  D.,  1S71-6;  John  D. 
Gardner,  iS  76-80;  Elbert  Ne- 
vius  Sebring,  18S0-5;  David 
Kline  Van  Doren,  1885-90. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Wads- 
worth  Pitcher,  a  conscientious, 
faithful  and  progressive  cler- 
gyman, a  bright  pulpit  speaker 
and  a  social  pastor,  came  to 
this  church  January  i,  1881, 
and  is  still  in  discharge  of  his 
duties.  He  has  a  large  con- 
gregation who  give  him  the 
best  support.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Pitcher  commands  influence  be- 
cause he  wields  an  active  hand  in  other  organiza- 
tions. For  instance,  he  is  chaplain  of  the  Masonic 
order  and  in  other  respects  is  alive  to  the  public 
interests  He  was  born  at  Cohoes,  March  2,  1849. 
He  was  educated  at  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  and 
was  ordained  at  Randolph.  N.  Y.,  January  26, 
1876  His  pastorates  include  Randolph,  N.  Y., 
1876-83;  Stanton,  N.  J.,  1883-7;  Ringoes,  N.  J., 
the  widely  famed  Kirkpatrick  Memorial  church, 
1887-91.  The  Elders  — G.  L.  Danforth,  W.  E. 
Bassler,  George  Zeh,  William  B.  Becker,  J.  L. 
Engle.  The  Deacons  —  C.  W.  Vroman,  William 
Duninore,  Charles  Straub,  Frank  A.  Wells,  Joseph 
Jenks. 


rA^-^iS     * 


■v%i-' 


i6 


GRIPS"   ILLl'STRATED  SOUVENIR. 


TlIK  LXIWER    Fort,  Schoharie,    N.   Y.  and   monument 
to  Williams  one  of  Andre's  captors. 

The  County  Almshouse  occupies  a  sightly  spot 
surrounded  l)y  tilled  land  and  orchards  on  the 
slope  of  the  hills  to  the  west  of  the  village.  The 
farm  producesliberally  for  the  tables  of  the  institu- 
tion, usually  with  a  surplus  of  fruit  for  the  market. 
The  buildings  have  recently  l)een  repainted  and 
greatly  improved  by  the  addition  of  blinds  and 
piazzas.  The  interior  was  re-arranged  for  greater 
comfort  and  convenience.  Pipes  were  laid  from 
the  Bellinger  springs  on  the  summit  of  the  moun- 
tain, too  rods  from  the  house,  to  which  the  water 
is  conducted  with  a  fall  of  292  feet.  Hydrants 
have  been  placed  about  the  grounds  and  hot  and 
cold  water  taps  throughout  buihlings,  with  mod- 
ern flush  closets  and  baths.  The  total  expense 
was  $«>.  145.  No  county  in  the  state  can  boast  of  a 
cleaner,    more   wholesome   and    better   arranged 


Thn  Red  Men,  Oucongeua  Tribe,  No.  240.  was 
chartered  June  15.  1S93.  and  there  are  now  fifty 
members.  It  meets  the  tirst  and  second  Thurs- 
day in  every  month.  The  officers:  R.  L».  Gordon, 
.Sachem;  J.  W.  Ritchie,  Past  Sachem;  Dow  Beek- 
nian.  Prophet;  C.  L.  Haines.  Senior  Sagamore; 
D.  U.  Frisbie,  Junior  Sagamore;  G.  L.  Fox,  Chief 
of  Records;   Alonzo  Almy.  Keeper  of  Wampum; 

ihn  Miller,  Collector  of  Wampum;  W.  T.  Riv- 
<.iil)erg.  M  D.,  ist  Sanap;  J.  P.  Segner,  id  Sanap; 
J.  T.  Kelsey,  Guard  of  the  Wigwam;  P.  Smith, 
I  ;i;ard  of   the  Forest. 

A  Tribute  to  a  Faithful  OflBcer— With  the 
lose  of  the  year  Hon.  Arthur  U.  Mead  who  has 
served  as  clerk  for  Schoharie  county  two  terms, 
•.ix  years,  will  retire.  He  has  proven  highly  honor- 
able and  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 
!  he  best  men  of  both  parties  on  Tuesday,  Novem- 
L-r  20,  iS(j4,  met  in  Schoharie  and  presented  Mr. 
.Mead  with  a  diamond  scarf  pin.  He  was  compli- 
mented on  all  sides  and  in  a  very  appropriate 
maimer  he  returned  thanks.  The  festivities 
closed  with  a  banquet  at  the  Hotel  Schoharie. 


•  II  \HII      W  M-.I1 


almshouse.     Krwin  Spickman  and  wife  have  been 
in    faithful   attendance   upon   the  premises  since 
18S7.     They  have  proven  competent  and  have  ex- 
ercised  every   economy   for   the  county   as  thev 
would  have  done  in  their  own  institution.     The 
general  supervision  of  the  poor  is  in  good  hands. 
Mr.  lohn  \oung,  the  countv  superintendent     Mr 
Spickerman  was  b<irn  in  Harperstield.   Delaware 
county,  Februarv  4.  1854.     At  twentv-nine  years 
of  age   he   married    Ada,  the   daughter  of'Hial 
Warner,    of  Jefferson.      They   luanagcd   a   farii: 
until  thev  were  called  to  take  charge  of   the  alm^ 
house.     I'here  i^  now  in  the  hands  of   Supervise'' 
Vromai)  a  resolution  to  be  presented  to  the  l>oai 
providing  for  making  the  sui>erintendent  of   tli' 
p<K>r  also  the  keeper  of  the  almshouse  at  a  salai 
of   $*"»•      It   is  said  such  action   will   save   tlv 
county  $500  a  year. 


Edward    D    Hagsr,    merchant. 


sui)ervisor  and 
postmaster  from 
Blenheim  was 
born  in  Middle- 
burgh  in  1847. 
He  is  the  demo- 
cratic  leader  in 
the  town.  He 
served  in  the 
state  a.ssembly 
in  1SS2,  on  the 
county  commit- 
tee for  more  than 
twenty  years  and 
as  supervisor  for 
several  terms. 


Peter  H.  Smith  a  large  property  owner  was 
born  in  Middleburgh,  August  28,  1S53.  He  mar- 
ried Alice  P.  Bagley  of  Middleburgh.  March  20, 
1S7S.  She  is  a  faithful  and  active  memlier  of  the 
.Methodist  church.  Mr.  Smith  is  a  member  of  the 
Improved  Order  of  Red  Men.  He  starte<i  in 
blacksmithing  and  wagon  making  in  i$7b  and  has 
built  up  a  large  business. 

M.  W  Baker,  pro])rietor  of  the  Baker  House 
wa.s  born  in  the  town  of  Wright.  February  24, 
1.S51.  He  conducted  a  hotel  in  that  town  two 
vears.  Eight  years  ago  he  look  ]y>ssession  of  the 
liakcr  House.'  He  married  Mary  C.  Shell  of 
Wright  in  August  1872.  Mr.  Baker  has  improved 
the  location  of  his  house  very  mucn,  and  is  mak- 
ing the  business  a  success. 


Martin   A.   Akeley,  postiuaster  at  West  Fulton, 

Schoharie  Co.,  is 
serving  his  sec- 
ond term  in  that 
position.  He  was 
first  apjHiiutcd 
Kebniary  13,  1885 
by  President 

Cleveland.  His 
scconil  appoint- 
ment was  July 
22.  \ii)j.  He  isa 
practical  demo- 
crat and  a  lead- 
er in  the  local 
party. 


GRIP'S"  ADVERTISING  DEPARTMENT. 


c, 


\}9ood, 

Monumental  Works. 


IMPORTER, 
MANUFACTURER, 
DEALER  IN 

Foreign  and  Domestic  Marble 
and  Granite  Monuments,  Head- 
stones, Statuary.  The  largest 
stock  in  Otsego  and  adjoining 
counties. 
New,  Original,  Hand-Made  Designs. 
Latest  Styles, 

Estimates.      Work  Guaranteed. 

OFFICE    AND    WORKS 

Decatur  St.,  Worcester,  Otsego  County,  N.  Y. 


Our  Latest  Leader 

FIRST  CALL  CIGAR 


:man'ufactured  by 


HAYES  &  BOWDISH,  Oneonta,  N.  Y. 


Five  Cents. 


SMOKE 


Havana   Twisters, 


A  clear  Havana,  hand  made.  loc.  cigar,  equal  to  any  impiirted  cigar;  everybody  smokes  them. 

Manuf^actured         BATES    &    ZEH,      Middleburg,    N.    Y. 


/    Every     cigar    alike ; 

Wp»st"    FT n H -,' ^'^"^' *°  ^" '"" 

'    Le 


,    The    Leader. 

Little  Giant-  ^'-g^'--^ 


vcader. 


goods;  sold  every- 
where. 


HUMMELL  &  CO.,   Manufacturers,  schexevus.  otsego  Co..  n,  v- 

EsiAia.isHED  1S42. 

B.  Payn's  Son's  Tobacco  Company, 

.MANUFACTURERS   OF 

BP    U        Margarita,  Sereno  No.  2,  Lena   PIPIDO     Strawberry,  Pure  Stock,  Seal   PUrUUlM  P  TOD  A  000 
.    &    in.,  and  Spirit  of  the  Times   UlUAnO.       of  Albany  and  Straight  Tip   UiILIIIIIII    IUDALUU. 

Spanish,  Cross  Pipe  and  Catch  All  Smox  ing  Tobacco. 

820  and  822  BROADWAY, 

Retail  Stoke,  cor.  Broadway  and  Maiden- Lane,         ------        ALBANY,  N.  Y. 

Wm.  McEwan,  Prest.  Edward  A.  Griffin,  Vice-Prest.  Robert  Brvce,  Treas. 

SuLu  Everywhere. 
Smoked  by  Everybody. 

"Head  Light"  Cigar, 

-"«— — FIVE  CENTS 

DOYLE  &  SMITH,  Manufacturers,  Onfontv    \    v 


SMOKE 


mack's 

little  giants 


A  Pure  Havana  Fii  i.kr  Cic;ai; 

For  Five  Cents. 


DURYEA  HARPER, 

Merchant  and  Produce  Buyer 

SHARON  SPRINGS,  N.  Y. 

Top  fr  ces  paid  for  butter  and  eggs. 


CRIPS"  ADVERTISING  OKPARTMENT 


IS 

u 

n 

m 

If  yon  set 

the  best 

Instrument 

Soliciteil 


I) 


11 


:  s  the  Kan 
A'ho  sells  It 


Jur  Biiy  piece 
>        of  Music. 
SlUXKV.  N    Y. 


GKO.    II    (ilARI)INi:i:R. 

UCAI.EK  IN 

PHUTOGRAPHIC  :  MATERIALS 

520  Broadway.  ALBANY.  N   Y 

Canieras,  Dry  Plates,  Amateur  Outfits. 

AMI   A    1  IVK   I.ISK  Hi     1   III:M1c'AI.^ 


i 


mi     r-    !i« 


Clinton  Liberal  Institute. 

OniciallviK-si>;niitt:<l  .iSlau-  Military  School 
I'.'Ki  I';  u-..  N    Y 


The-  Mutual  •  Fire  •  Insurance  •  Association 

OF  SCHOHARIE.  OTSEGO  AND  ALBANY  COUNTIES. 

Money  Saved  to  Farmers  and  others  insuring  in  this  Company. 

Homo  utlicc:     Mii>i>i.KiiL'K(iM,  N.  Y. 

Wcllinttton  K.  Ka«8lcr.  Prfs.  Uen.  B.  Wheely.  Sfc'y.  .1.  L.  Enfcle.  Treas. 


;r     SOUND  BANKING  INSTITUTIONS 


Canajoharie,  N.  Y.        THC   Call  QJoha  PiC     NatlOIial     Bank.       E»tabUBhed  ISOO 

Lilicral  in  .-ill  it<  \  i,  .i;ia.u.  ?i  .•-.."»■,  i  a.  i.   Hicimiund, /•»,-j. 


A.  G.  RICHMO.NU.  t'ifsi.Uiil 


.i-:>i.iK  lii;  iMAN 


>1  Al  loKI)  .Mii>lli;k.  Cjskirr 


't'^t  ^Ax\\\iX6'  arCb  QTlcctjanics'  ^au6,    fort  plain,  n.y. 


KsT.\m,isiii:i)  I-- 


r.i|>it.ii. 


Siirplu-*.  *-. 


I'ri.lils,   J.    .  . 


FIRST  NATIONAL  BANK.  Cobleskill,  N.  Y.  ^^-p''"'  ^"'SlT.^':''  ''^""''^ 

I"   \v.t;;!->  ..iiMiic-s-   b.i?n_-.l  ■ -ii  balances  and  re-ipon^ibiluy, 
Chas    II    Sh:ivcr./'/(-j/*l'f«/  H    lalor.  i  ice-i'resijfnt.  M   C  I'-w.  Cashier 

Capital  paid  in»  5150,000.  surplus,  sto.ooo. 

Kiw^sr  x.\  1  i<  >x.\K  I  ;.\.NK,  Co*  )j»c  i-^t.  »\\  II.  N.  ^^ 

r resident,  E,  M.   II 

AGE  IMPROVES  IT.     I  n^    > 

as  one  '-av>  who  li.is  bcfn  a  v  >'n>tant  :■ 

bv  vfar  ■'     1:  -.  ,ir';.  1.  -.  T    -.lay  c<>vi:r  t:.'  ; 

entertiiii.:  iiaractcr  nttt  r-iuiiil  i,  Wcwht-n-.  .tnil  oi  ^"  i;rf.ii  .i  \  .u  ;•■'. y  i  h.it  \\\y  t.  <  'M  i-  wi*  >\  inun  -.ts  ...ii^^c 

each  mt- 

Thv  '  vnUinif  of  1^  ,:  nnnntinrr*!  r\r.  iin«snn!  arrnv  nf  nttr.T-'irtns;  fourteen   serial  atorie».  a  wealth 

of  .  «'S  timely  e<litorials  on  all  impor- 

\x\ 

1  ■   who  Mjnd  $1.7";  now  will  receive 

the-  I'.utT  K '  '•  !••  j.iiin.irv  1,  I  -  ,  ,  an  !  ■■;i>-  ■.  f.ir  [ ;  >.ni  '  ,.i:    I.i'c       i:  <-'-a\'  --  r.  r  r  .    u  f«.k       Finclv  iIUi'*trateil 

"_ '  ' THK  VtH'TUS  CUMI'.WION.  U-'-i    n.  V^^•' 

A  Big  Christmas  Gift 

"GRIPS'   VALLE\    GAZhlTE 

IS  THE  ONLY   MAGAZINE 
Devoted  to  News.  Literary  Profluctions,  IVrsonal  Sketchc--.  .imi  I'urtraits  of  Representative  Business. 
Professional  .inil  Soci.il  I.t-aders  nf  tin-  Citic--.  'I'ouiis  atnl  dmnucs  .if  New  Y..rk  State. 

It  is  Published  Monthly  at  Albany,  the  Capitol  of  the  State. 

Correspondence  of  Social  Events.  Business  Changes  and  i . 

Illii-itratcl    vyitlt    Hi-.iiiiiful     Half-'r..iu-    l"..vtr,iit..     .mcl     S, 

A  Special  Inducement  for  Subscribers 

Kvtry  IVrs.vii  Setnlini;  SI  00  i":  a  year's  -tibscription  to  begin  lUinni;  iS.)4  nr  laimary,  I'-'if. 

lia-  the  choice  <<\ 

RAND,  McNALLY  &  CO.S  HANDY  ATLAS  OF   THE  WORLD    (sec  de- 

-.(lijiti.m  .111  .iiiotlicr  |).ii;il.  "f  .1  yi-.ii's  '•uIim  riplion  to 
THE  NEW  YORK  SEMI-WEEKLY  WORLD. 

Address  "GRll'S"   (iA'/Hri'H,    Alb.anv,  N.  ^. 


'GRIP'S"  ADVERTISING  DEPARTMENT. 


Champion    Butter   Group, 


Holstein  Friesians, 


D.  F.  WILBER,  Prop.,  Crumhorn  Stock  Farms,  Milford,  N.  Y. 

Office,    ONEONTA,    N.    Y. 

The  World's  Champion,  PAUIilNE  PATTIi, 

The  Queen,  No.  2199,  H.  H.  B.,  S57,  A.    R.   (ro  yrs.  old),   31  lbs.   i^    ozs.  in  7  days; 
128  lbs.  13^  ozs.  in  30  days;   1153  lbs.  1534^  ozs.  in  365  consecutive  days. 

DAILY  AVERAGE  FOR  SEVEN  CONSECUTIVE  DAYS  for  the   FIVE    COW.S    and    dam   and 

sire's  dam  of  bull  is  32  lbs.   10  oz. 


•^ 


4 


M 


TE-TTJE   JANZ.EN  TaCONA 

Nil, 627.  Na.SI't?. 

,  Pauline  Paul  Sir  Mechthilde.2yrs. 

Nil?  ISO.  NiiiCi  ^e.'). 


PlETERTOE   4rM. 
Nc  1;  C^'5    , 
D.E    Kol2'DS  akdCaif 
Nr  6-3'd'i. 


Individual  Register  and  Records: 

SIR  MECHTHILDE,   No.  !64(,9,  II.  F.  H.  B.,  at  2  yrs.       His  dam,  Tirania,  No    6716,   H.  H.    B..   and 
his  sire's  dam,  Mechthilde^their  average  7  day's  butter  record,  3S  lbs.  2J^  ozs. 

TACONA,   No.  8I.J2,  H.  H.  B.,  at  8  yrs.      Butter  record,  at  6  yrs.,  30  lbs.  2  ozs.  in  7  days. 

TETTJE  JANZEN,   No.   627,  D.  F.  H.  B.,  at  10  yrs.      Butter  record,  at    8    yrs.,    30   lbs.    9    ozs.    in    7 
days ;   4  lbs.  4  ozs.  in  i  day. 

PIETERTJE  4th,  No.  11245,  H.  F.  H.  B.,  4S1,  A.  R.,  at  7  yrs.       Butter  at  6  yrs..  26  lbs.  14  ozs.  in  7 
days;   104  lbs.  2  ozs.  in  30  days;  200  lbs.  9  ozs.  in  60  days;  453  lbs.  in  150  days. 

Champion  3  yr.  Old  of  the  World  — DE  KOL  2ds,  Queen  and  calf.  No.  6324,  H.  F.  H.,    i  B.,  662,  A. 
R.,  at  5  yrs.      Butter  record,  at  3  yrs.,  28  lbs.  7  ozs.  in  7  days;   14.47  lbs.  milk  to  i  lb.  butter. 


PAULINE  PAUL,  given  above. 
I 


GRIPS"  BEST  HOTEL  GUIDE. 


^^£~d 


The  CENTRAL 


(.      1  I.    .\K(  ;<  ).Nl-:«  i.M.,  1  'r.  -1 
1  <  )i  iti  )i  1 1;  1.     X.     \' 


m  «i  D«y  ClffiKS. 


The  Ballard  House, 


George    J.    Vanderwerker, 


CtKiiKksrowN.    N.    N' 


Proprietor. 


This  hotel  ranks  second  to  none  in 

the  interior  of  the  state.     Within  the  past 

two  years  it  has  been 


STK.'\M    HKAT    THKOIU.HOI' T. 


Enlarjrcd   and    Kcfurnishcd. 


Fitted  with  sanitary  conveniences  of  the  nms;  .i|i])ii'Vfl  p.iitirn  o;i  <.  vii  y  tl...-  anil  imnlcrn  forms 
of  ventilation  for  every  room.  In  one  year  two  large  annexes  were  added,  ••[.viiinv:  ilirectly  into  the 
main  buil<linK.  makinj;  the  whole  a  large  ami  complete  hotel,  as  well  arraiijjctl  as  though  included  in 
the   original  ]il.in-;.     Upper   balconies  with  splendid  views  of  scenery.    Baths  an'!  all  accommodations. 


HENRY  JOY.  Prop. 
Cannjoharie  and 

Palatinp  Bridire. 
N.  Y. 


Finest    Hotel 


Central  New  York 

No  better  on  the   line  of 
the  X.  Y.  Central. 


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